HR 57

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     House Resolution 57EX
     By: Representatives Adeyina of the 110th, Stephens of the 164th, Olaleye of the 59th,
     Cummings of the 39th, Beckles of the 96th, and others
                                A RESOLUTION
1 Recognizing and honoring the South Africa National Football Team for qualifying for and
2 competing in the 2026 FIFA World Cup; and for other purposes.
3 WHEREAS, the people of the State of Georgia join football supporters throughout the world
4 in celebrating the achievement of the South Africa National Football Team, known proudly
5 as Bafana Bafana, in qualifying for and competing in the 2026 FIFA World Cup; and
6 WHEREAS, the Republic of South Africa has long been a leader on the African continent
7 and a respected participant in international sport, with football serving as a powerful force
8 for national unity, social progress, and cultural pride; and
9 WHEREAS, South Africa made history as the first African nation to host the FIFA World
10 Cup in 2010, showcasing the nation's hospitality, organizational excellence, and commitment
11 to advancing the global game while creating a lasting legacy for football throughout Africa;
12 and
13 WHEREAS, the South Africa National Football Team has consistently demonstrated
14 perseverance, determination, resilience, and sportsmanship in international competition,
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15 inspiring millions of supporters across South Africa, the African continent, and throughout
16 the global South African diaspora; and
17 WHEREAS, the South Africa National Football Team is supported by the leadership of
18 South African Football Association President Dr. Danny Jordaan and Chief Executive
19 Officer Ms. Lydia Monyepao, whose dedication to football development and sporting
20 excellence has strengthened South Africa's standing within the international football
21 community; and
22 WHEREAS, under the leadership of Head Coach Hugo Broos and an accomplished technical
23 and support staff consisting of Vincent Tseka, Mninawa Ntloko, Errol Madlala, Grant
24 Johnson, Rendani Manuku, Kebairang Molwantwa, Constintine Mbatha, Tshepo Molobi,
25 Tebogo Dhlomo, Tumelo Kujane, Sinesipho Mali, Simamkele Masiza, Kopano Melesi,
26 Helman Mkhalele, Tinashe-Shingai Mukandatsama, Moleke Sekwati, Qinisekile Maphosa,
27 Bafana Sihlali, Pearl Mosoane, Mxolisi Sibam, and Jack Maluleka, the team has
28 demonstrated exceptional preparation, professionalism, and commitment to excellence; and
29 WHEREAS, the State of Georgia values the strong and growing economic, educational,
30 cultural, and diplomatic ties between the United States and the Republic of South Africa,
31 relationships that foster international cooperation, trade, investment, innovation, and mutual
32 understanding; and
33 WHEREAS, Georgia is home to South African professionals, entrepreneurs, students,
34 educators, healthcare professionals, and families whose contributions enrich the cultural
35 diversity and economic vitality of communities throughout the state; and
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36 WHEREAS, South Africa's leadership in business, technology, higher education, tourism,
37 and international commerce has strengthened opportunities for collaboration and partnership
38 with organizations, institutions, and businesses throughout Georgia and the southeastern
39 United States; and
40 WHEREAS, the South Africa National Football Team proudly competed at Mercedes-Benz
41 Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, on June 18, 2026, during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, earning
42 a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Czechia and providing an unforgettable experience for
43 supporters from across Georgia, the United States, and the international football community;
44 and
45 WHEREAS, the presence of Bafana Bafana in Atlanta provided an opportunity for South
46 African–Americans, members of the South African diaspora, and football supporters
47 throughout Georgia to celebrate the rich culture, heritage, and sporting excellence of the
48 Republic of South Africa while strengthening the bonds of friendship and goodwill between
49 South Africa and the State of Georgia; and
50 WHEREAS, the participation of the South Africa National Football Team in the 2026 FIFA
51 World Cup serves as a source of pride and inspiration for South Africans and South
52 African–Americans living in Georgia and throughout the United States; and
53 WHEREAS, the members of the South Africa National Football Team roster, including
54 Ronwen Williams, Thabang Matuludi, Khulumani Ndamane, Teboho Mokoena, Thalente
55 Mbatha, Aubrey Modiba, Oswin Appollis, Tshepang Moremi, Lyle Foster, Relebohile
56 Mofokeng, Themba Zwane, Thapelo Maseko, Sphephelo Sithole, Mbekezeli Mbokazi,
57 Iqraam Rayners, Sipho Chaine, Evidence Makgopa, Samukelo Kabini, Nkosinathi Sibisi,
58 Khuliso Mudau, Ime Okon, Ricardo Goss, Jayden Adams, Olwethu Makhanya, Kamogelo
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59 Sebelebele, and Bradley Cross, have demonstrated exceptional athletic ability, discipline,
60 teamwork, and dedication in earning the honor of representing their nation before a global
61 audience; and
62 WHEREAS, these athletes, coaches, officials, and support personnel serve as ambassadors
63 for the Republic of South Africa and exemplify the values of excellence, perseverance, unity,
64 national pride, and international friendship; and
65 WHEREAS, the State of Georgia proudly recognizes the achievements of the South Africa
66 National Football Team and commends its players, coaches, federation leadership, and
67 support personnel for their dedication and accomplishments in representing their nation on
68 the world stage.
69 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that
70 the members of this body recognize and honor the South Africa National Football Team,
71 President Dr. Danny Jordaan, Chief Executive Officer Ms. Lydia Monyepao, Head Coach
72 Hugo Broos, the coaching and technical staff, and all members of the 2026 FIFA World Cup
73 roster for their outstanding achievements and for proudly representing the Republic of South
74 Africa on the world's greatest sporting stage.
75 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized
76 and directed to make an appropriate copy of this resolution available for distribution to the
77 South Africa National Football Team.
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