⚠️ 2006 AFCON STARS: What Happened to South Africa’s Forgotten Heroes? From Fame to OBSCURITY! 🔍💔
The 2006 Africa Cup of Nations was supposed to be a turning point for South African football.
Bafana Bafana, once crowned continental champions in 1996, were desperate to reclaim their place among Africa’s elite.
With a squad featuring a mix of domestic stars and overseas professionals, hopes were high.
But the campaign quickly unraveled.
South Africa crashed out of the tournament in the group stages without scoring a single goal.
It was a national embarrassment—but the players’ individual journeys didn’t end there.
Let’s dive deep into the 23-man squad and uncover where these players are now—nearly 20 years after that forgettable tournament.
Rowen Fernandez (Goalkeeper)
At the time, Fernandez was a solid presence for Kaizer Chiefs.
After 2006, he earned a move to Germany’s Arminia Bielefeld but struggled to become a consistent starter.
He returned to South Africa and eventually retired from football.
Today, he’s transitioned into coaching, helping train the next generation of goalkeepers in the PSL.
Calvin Marlin (Goalkeeper)
One of the country’s most respected shot-stoppers, Marlin had a long run with Mamelodi Sundowns and later Ajax Cape Town.
He moved into coaching after retirement and currently works with youth goalkeepers.
He also made a few TV appearances, sharing insights on Bafana’s past performances.
Nasief Morris (Defender)
Morris was one of the few South Africans playing in Europe at the time, with Greek side Panathinaikos.
He had a stable career abroad and eventually returned to play for Santos in South Africa.
These days, he keeps a low profile and is occasionally spotted working in youth football development.
Bongani Khumalo (Defender)
While not part of the starting eleven, Khumalo would later become a key figure in the 2010 World Cup squad.
Post-2010, his career took him to Tottenham Hotspur, though he never truly broke into the first team.
He’s since retired and pursued business interests while staying involved in football-related projects.
Sibusiso Zuma (Forward)
A fan favorite, Zuma had dazzled in Denmark with FC Copenhagen and was seen as one of South Africa’s brightest stars.
After 2006, his form dipped, and he returned home.
Injuries plagued his later years, and he eventually retired.
Zuma has since been in and out of the public eye, occasionally giving interviews or mentoring young players.
Benni McCarthy (Forward)
Arguably the most successful player of his generation, McCarthy was in top form during his European career, especially at Porto where he won the UEFA Champions League under José Mourinho.
After 2006, he continued to thrive in Europe before ending his playing career back home.
Today, McCarthy is one of the most respected South African coaches and currently serves as part of Manchester United’s coaching staff.
His journey is one of the few glittering success stories from that 2006 squad.
Delron Buckley (Midfielder)
A Bundesliga veteran, Buckley had stints with Borussia Dortmund and other German clubs.
He faded from the international scene post-2006 and eventually retired.
He has since taken on coaching and development roles but hasn’t been in the media spotlight much.
Aaron Mokoena (Defender)
Known as “Mbazo,” Mokoena was South Africa’s captain and brought leadership to the squad.
He went on to play for Portsmouth in the English Premier League and captained Bafana in the 2010 World Cup.
Since retirement, he’s remained vocal on football matters and has hinted at administrative ambitions in SAFA.
Quinton Fortune (Midfielder)
Though not in the squad as a regular starter, Fortune’s name carried weight due to his time at Manchester United.
He had already started winding down his career by 2006 and has since transitioned into coaching.
He now works with various clubs in England and has become a UEFA-licensed coach.
MacBeth Sibaya (Midfielder)
A midfield workhorse, Sibaya spent much of his career in Russia with Rubin Kazan.
He returned to South Africa after a solid stint in Europe and later joined coaching staff at various local clubs.
He remains a respected figure in the local football scene.
Teko Modise (Midfielder)
Modise’s AFCON 2006 showing wasn’t his best, but he would later become a fan favorite with Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns.
Known as “The General,” he was pivotal in South African football for years.
After retirement, he moved into punditry, launched a fashion line, and wrote a bestselling autobiography detailing his rise from poverty to stardom.
Mbulelo “OJ” Mabizela (Defender)
One of the most talented yet controversial players in the squad, Mabizela had stints with Tottenham Hotspur and Mamelodi Sundowns.
Sadly, his career was derailed by disciplinary issues, substance abuse, and off-field problems.
In recent years, he’s spoken publicly about his struggles and works with programs that warn young players about the dangers of fame and poor choices.
Siyabonga Nomvethe (Forward)
The evergreen striker went on to have one of the longest careers in South African football, playing well into his 40s.
He continued scoring goals long after most of his 2006 teammates had retired.
Today, he’s involved in coaching and mentoring young talent.
David Obua (Midfielder)
Though not South African, Obua played in the same tournament and later became well-known in South African football circles.
His post-football career includes political activism in Uganda, and he’s one of the few AFCON 2006 players to shift into public service.
Other Notable Names
Players like Lucky Lekgwathi, Kagisho Dikgacoi, and Lebohang Mokoena all had brief bursts of stardom post-2006 but faded quietly from the international spotlight.
Many now run academies or community football programs.
A few took roles in punditry, while others have completely vanished from public life.
In the end, the 2006 AFCON squad may not have delivered results on the field, but their post-football paths paint a rich, complex picture—some full of triumph, others marked by missed chances and cautionary tales.
From Champions League winners to forgotten veterans, their stories are a reminder of how quickly the game can elevate or erase its heroes.
