---
title: HR 57. South Africa National Football Team; competing in the 2026 FIFA World Cup; recognize
collection: bills
id: 2026-special/hr57
cite_as: HR 57, 2026 Special Session (Ga.)
canonical_url: https://georgiacommons.org/bills/2026-special/hr57
md_url: https://georgiacommons.org/bills/2026-special/hr57.md
text_url: https://georgiacommons.org/bills/2026-special/hr57/text
source_url: https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/74918
date: 2026-06-23
status: passed
corpus_version: bills-2026-09-13
license: Public record of the Georgia General Assembly, via LegiScan; see about.md
publisher: Georgia Commons, an independent project of Georgia Civic Data. Not the State of Georgia. Not legal advice.
up: https://georgiacommons.org/bills/2026-special.md
previous: https://georgiacommons.org/bills/2026-special/hr56.md
next: https://georgiacommons.org/bills/2026-special/hr58.md
index: https://georgiacommons.org/bills/index.md
omitted: votes and history
omitted_chars: 131
omitted_url: https://georgiacommons.org/bills/2026-special/hr57.md?full=1
bill_number: HR 57
session: 2026 Special Session
session_slug: 2026-special
chamber: House
bill_type: resolution
status_date: 2026-06-23
last_action: House Read and Adopted
sponsors:
  - Segun Adeyina
  - Ron Stephens
  - Phil Olaleye
  - Terry Cummings
  - Arlene Beckles
  - Solomon Adesanya
text_version: Introduced
has_text: true
legiscan_url: https://legiscan.com/GA/bill/HR57/2026/X1
upstream_id: 2154544
summaries_model: claude-sonnet-5
topic_tags:
  - FIFA World Cup
  - South Africa
  - sports recognition
  - Atlanta
  - ceremonial resolution
---

# HR 57. South Africa National Football Team; competing in the 2026 FIFA World Cup; recognize

## Text

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

## Summaries written by Georgia Commons

The following was written by claude-sonnet-5 from the text above and is not part of the resolution. Quote the text, not the summary.

A Georgia House resolution formally recognizes and honors the South Africa National Football Team, known as Bafana Bafana, for qualifying for and playing in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, including a match in Atlanta.

### Plain-language summary

This resolution from the Georgia House of Representatives is a ceremonial statement rather than a change to state law. It recognizes the South Africa National Football Team, nicknamed Bafana Bafana, for qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and highlights the team's June 18, 2026 match against Czechia at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, which ended in a 1-1 draw.
The resolution names the team's leadership, coaching staff, and full player roster, praises South Africa's sporting and diplomatic ties with Georgia, and notes the contributions of South African residents living in the state. It directs the Clerk of the House to prepare a copy of the resolution for distribution to the team as a keepsake of the recognition.

### What it does

- Formally recognizes and honors the South Africa National Football Team for qualifying for and competing in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
- Commends named team leadership, including federation President Dr. Danny Jordaan, CEO Lydia Monyepao, Head Coach Hugo Broos, and coaching staff.
- Highlights the team's June 18, 2026 match at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, which ended in a 1-1 draw against Czechia.
- Directs the Clerk of the House of Representatives to prepare and distribute a copy of the resolution to the South Africa National Football Team.
- Creates no new law, funding, or regulatory requirement, as it is a symbolic honorary resolution.

### Who it affects

The South Africa National Football Team, its coaching staff and federation leadership, and its players are directly honored. The resolution also acknowledges South African residents, professionals, students, and families living in Georgia, as well as football fans who attended the Atlanta match.

### Why it matters

The resolution has no legal or financial effect on Georgians. Its practical significance is symbolic: it publicly acknowledges South Africa's team and diaspora community in Georgia and formalizes the state legislature's goodwill toward South Africa following the team's Atlanta appearance.

### Key provisions

- The resolving clause recognizes and honors the South Africa National Football Team, its president, CEO, head coach, technical staff, and full 2026 World Cup roster.
- A further resolved clause directs the Clerk of the House to prepare a copy of the resolution for distribution to the team.
- The whereas clauses cite the team's June 18, 2026 match at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta and its 1-1 draw against Czechia as the occasion for the recognition.
- The resolution lists South Africa's ties to Georgia, including South African professionals, students, and families living in the state, as context for the recognition.

## Status

- Status: Passed (2026-06-23)
- Last action: House Read and Adopted (2026-06-23)
- Sponsors: Segun Adeyina, Ron Stephens, Phil Olaleye, Terry Cummings, Arlene Beckles, Solomon Adesanya
- Official page: https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/74918

> The history, votes, and amendments (131 characters) are at https://georgiacommons.org/bills/2026-special/hr57.md?full=1