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New name for Bafana-bafana

Written by Dimago from the blog Some food for thought on 23 Oct 2007
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I heard on the news this morning that the president Mr Thabo Mbeki is calling for name changes for some of our sports teams. These include: Bafana-bafana, Banyana-banyana , Ama-glug-glug (inherent from Sasol being the official sponsor) and Ama-kroko-kroko (what does this mean anyway?)

He says these names are not “fit” for national teams and that they do not carry the respect, status and symbolisms a national team should carry. I mean think about it, the cricket team is called the Proteas which is SA’s national flower and the Rugby team is called the Springboks which is SA’s national animal)

I don’t always agree with the president, but on this one I am with him. We need these other sports codes to reflect our country’s rich heritage. Other South African national symbols include: Blue Crane, which is our national bird and Galjoen our national fish. I think naming these teams by one of those names is better that what they are currently called. But I know we have a lot of creativity here on TVSA and you guys can suggest some meaningful names.

The president also suggested that the colours for Bafana-bafana should be changed to gold and green, which the Proteas and the Springboks use. Why are our soccer jerseys different anyway (more yellow (or is it gold) that green)?

soccer

Bafana-bafana Jersey

rugby

Rugby Jersey

cricket

Chricket Jersey

So let’s hear it, if Bafana-bafana were to get a new name what should it be? Feel free to suggest new names for Banyana-banyana, Ama-glug-glug and Ama-kroko-kroko.

EDIT
Minister of sports - Makenkesi Stofile has climbed the bandwagon and is planning to initiate public debate on the name changes of ALL sporting codes, as well as standardising the emblems, colours etc.... So next year, we'll all get to have our say on the new names

60 Comments

Renegade
23 Oct 2007 04:28

I never thought about this before, but he's right. Mara considering that springboks and proteas are already taken, what other national thing do we have? Lets see:

currency: Rand...AmaRand...nah
national anthem: Sikelela boys? Nah
national bird: Blue Crane...blue cranes? hmmm...
national fish: Galjoen...eish, i dont know, i can see a lot of jokes here
national tree: yellowood...no

From the above, i must say the only ones i think can work is the blue crane, and maybe the rand, i dont know...

Xhosa Chick
23 Oct 2007 04:39

Ooooh, dankie, Mr President. U are quite right. And Ive also always wondered about the name Ama kroko kroko. Isnt that name just rude and insensitive?

mabhebheza
23 Oct 2007 04:44

I laughed when i heard the president on the news this morning but ok what difference does it make on the name if we change Bafana Bafana 2some meaniful name is it going 2improve their perfomance ?

belz
23 Oct 2007 04:44

LOL XC, that name does sound rude, yho, ok Dimags im gonna think of a proper name and come back, maybe .......um......ok i'll be back.

Annonymous
23 Oct 2007 04:54

If they were good players, I'm sure I'd be inspired about a good suitable name, but now unfortunately lack that inspiration. Wait a minute, how about Castle Lager Boys - I'm sure that majority of the players support SAB???

sweetie my baby
23 Oct 2007 05:00

yeah, their names are just silly - banyana banyana and amakroko are my worst - no dignity at all. mbeki's right...

mo fire
23 Oct 2007 05:04

they should now be called i-AU (Amadoda a-Useless)

Toodecent
23 Oct 2007 05:09

I think Banyana Banyana and Bafana Bafana should just swap names period...then problems solved.

sponono
23 Oct 2007 05:15

i dint even know of this proposal but Thabo is on point about this

mabhebheza, I'd like to think it wuld make a difference and alos it should change their image in fact even for PR and marketing..the currently used term is so plain and doenst represent Mzansi like springboks in fact it could be used as anickname while we have a proper original name "pythons" perhaps?? *qhwink qhwink*

sponono
23 Oct 2007 05:17

hi hi hi TDC, thats not fair they've ben tryin hawu LOL...
maybe Bafana Bafana...to amakroko kroko -and those amakrokrokro to amagluglug..coz they dont deserve such a name

Annonymous
23 Oct 2007 05:25

mo fire, I'm loving AU - it explains these boys in the best way possible!!!!

ngwana
23 Oct 2007 05:42

Ama kroko kroko. Isnt that name just rude and insensitive?>> who the hell came up with that in the first place.

if i was disbable and my team was called that i would lose on purpose.

Dimago
23 Oct 2007 05:50

I think whatever the new name is, it should not start with "Ama", Ama-something, just does not work... And the name should be african, and should be a name that reflects what we want them to be.
How about:
- Bafenyi or boMampudi- Winners (in Sotho)
- Madiba boys/sons
- Bafana ba Mjojo
- Mzansi Boys

half cent
23 Oct 2007 05:59

Great topic indeed but are u sure about that cricket jersey?LMAO

HIM President said:

What kind of a name is it? I don’t think it is fit for a national team or for the hosts of the 2010 Fifa World Cup,”

“We need to revisit the names of teams like Bafana Bafana, Banyana Banyana (the women’s soccer team), Amaglug-glug (under-23 soccer team). The public should participate in a plan where we look for new names for our national teams( why now ?)."

“I’m not saying we must call all our national teams Springboks, but we have to change the names, the emblems and the colours our teams wear, so they can be recognised as representatives of South Africa,” Mbeki said.

Your thoughts on this issue???

IMHO(In my humble opinion), the sooner the Dec conference gets underway, the better. I detect a hint of Mugabeism creeping into Mbeki here.

belz
23 Oct 2007 06:16

ive thought long and hard and i still cant come up with anything, who came up with bafana bafana in the first place, hayi these boys are such a dissapointment, maybe they must be called "South Africa Soccer Team" simpuli.

LovelyOne
23 Oct 2007 06:20

I honestly think these boys must get a more masculine name and maybe they'll stop playing like school galz, something like Izinduna.

Toxic
23 Oct 2007 06:33

how kanti this topic is so interesting.....sorry to join this late in the day, i just saw bafana bafana and automatically thought SPORTS!!

They really must just be called South Africa like we have Brasil.Brazil, Italy, China, Croatia, Zim etc....solves the problem

Foxy gal
23 Oct 2007 06:41

@ Lovely1 -LOL @ Izinduna!!! but dont u think some1 cud say Izinduna zaMakhosi

tshidi
23 Oct 2007 06:43

the springboks did well i would like to congradulate them... back to the real issue yes our national teams must have names that bring joy and those names must be meaningful but why now mr president.... because the springboks have made us proud where was that idea all along i am not trying to be negative but i just want you to look at that issue from a different angle...cheerz tshidi@university of venda

KeleFabulous
23 Oct 2007 06:58

hawu Toxi the whole point is to be different cos we are different! nna my mind is blank right now...how about tiger boys (big 5)?

tshepiso
23 Oct 2007 06:59

hee hee hee names must be changed. by the way those name ke a nyenyefatso

bafana bafana must changed to Mzanzi soccer team

LovelyOne
23 Oct 2007 07:03

These boys are really a disappointment, but is really a name change gonna make any difference? Toxic u're right hey, they must just be called South Africa.

sponono
23 Oct 2007 07:07

Izinduna...well my problem with this name is...firstly if they continue to loose we'll start calling them (scuz my language) Izindunu LOL

secondly induna can also be iqhuqhuva or a mega pimple which is somethin we all try to get rid of at some stage in our lives...so do you want a national team named after a zit The Zits The Pimples LOL

noooooo Flygal and Lovely zamani elinye boswidadi

Toxic
23 Oct 2007 07:10

the thing is when BB are playing internationaly, they're referred to as South Africa so it doesn't matter what name WE call them, they represent South Africa and must just be called the SAn soccer team (internally) or SOUTH AFRICA (out there)

Toxic
23 Oct 2007 07:12

le bona they must start playing really well, we might be inspired to find a name! Hear they are playing 2moro...did ya'll know that?

andi01
23 Oct 2007 07:13

My boss actually suggested that if we could use a name like the PROTEAS, for all the sports code in SA. we just say, Proteas rugby team, proteas soccer under 23 etc. This could emphasize unity. again arent we a rainbow nation. Again if 1 code of teh PROTEAS. doesnt do well then they know before hand that they are dragging their name in mud, but if one does good, that puts all codes in the map.
Amakrokokroko- Means (croks) better known as physically challenged, rude indee.
My for BAFANA BAFANA IS BAFAZI BAFAZI with all those fats tuck in their tummies and their inability to run, fat BAFAZI BAFAZI to be precise

PhlyLady
23 Oct 2007 07:14

we'll start calling them (scuz my language) Izindunu LOL kwa kwa kwa hi hi hi hi bayizo vele izindunu!!

Segololo
23 Oct 2007 07:19

My take...
Why are names ssssssssooo important for South Africans to change them? It costs a lot of our money with these changes... But NOT to derail anyone off the topic...

Bafana bafana = Mabubezi/Ditau
Banyana Banana = Jakarandas
AmaKrokokroko = Galjoens

half cent
23 Oct 2007 07:19

IM FROM SUNDOWNS CHATROOM IT WAS AGREED IT HAS TO BE TOOTHLESS SOMETHING LIKE"

TOOTHLESS TIGERS
TOOTHLESS DOGS
TOOTHLESS SHARKS

belz
23 Oct 2007 07:20

hihihihihi, mina angiboni ukuthi kubaluleke njani loku, they are the SA soccer team, so what we col them really doesn't matter, uright Tox, hayi, angeke sidiscusse ideath sentence maybe.

Matendis
23 Oct 2007 07:23

Well Dimago…whats in a name…really…a rose by any other name still smells just as sweet……I don’t agree with Tbos or you…I think theres a tad bit of overreaction on his/your side. A name is really what you make it…to me bafana bafana has connotations of youthfulness, energised, creative, street smart and always willing to find a way to succeed…that’s what our young boys in SA are generally like and I think that’s what we could read into the name “bafana bafana”… As for banyana banyana same principle applies…infact that Kelly Khumalo itshitshi song could double up as their war cry….
So I think we really shouldn’t get strung up on names and titles and whatnot’s, when the REAL issue here is bafana bafana’s consistently dismal performance!!!! I think that money that was going to be used to rename the team should be put it into resources that will help those boys score a goal….Come one do you think if the springboks had gone into this world cup with the name “the SA sugar plumps” then they wouldn’t have brought that cup home???? NO I think they still would have won coz they consistently focus on what’s important, which is delivering results on the field!!!!!
So ja I think Tbos should stop diluting the real issue...theres nuthing wrong with Bafana Bafana's name...They just need to learn how to score...get that ball into the back of the net and I won’t mind what u call urself! All we are doing is give them yet another excuse for their lack of delivery on the field…next thing we’ll be hearing in the interviews is “oh its our name…that’s why that really weak team beat us” ha! No way! If Tbos want to raise an issue of national importance- it should be about why we have an expensive coach and no goals!!!!
Oh and on the Ama-glug glug name - Sasol is sponsoring so i guess we should let them capitalise on their investment and call the team whatever they like....I’m sure the management knew as they were signing that sponsorship deal that nuthing comes for mahala in this world...Its give and take ...some $$$$ here and a little branding there....Its reality...lets deal with it...
Matendis
Ps-The only people i feel sorry for are the amakrokokroko- Whoever came up with that name should be punished! Its just wrong!! Totally mean and unfair...

LovelyOne
23 Oct 2007 07:27

Forget Izinduna/u it just won't work.......heheheeee.

andi01
23 Oct 2007 07:31

Or maybe we should call them the "LAXATIVES", coz they sure know how to irritate the sh*t out of people.

Dimago
23 Oct 2007 07:32

Eish Matendis...good points there....maybe i'll forward your response to the president or Tbos as you so fondly respond to him

mabhebheza
23 Oct 2007 07:35

Laxatives LoL oh... andi01 angathi bendikulibele....Ha aha ha ah

sponono
23 Oct 2007 07:38

Matendis..to me bafana bafana has connotations of youthfulness, energised, creative, street smart and always willing to find a way to succeed…

yerrrr you're quiet a positive thinker arent you Matendis. streching it like that hi hi hi..mina I thought Bafana Bafana a simple and straight forward stupid name...meaning "Boys Boys" same as banyana banyana LOL

belz
23 Oct 2007 07:39

hahahahaha matendis hayi, dimags, umatendis has taken over this blog uyambona nje.

Dimago
23 Oct 2007 07:48

Hey wena Belz...uMatendis wa vele wa yi jika lento.....

J-Girl
23 Oct 2007 07:52

Ama kroko kroko. Isnt that name just rude and insensitive?>> - in actual facts i attended an Disability Etiquette Workshop, which is run by an ex captain yabo - they came up with it and they like it....so i guess not hey

Toxic
23 Oct 2007 07:54

mara uMatendis is so spot on about this......

get that ball into the back of the net and I won’t mind what u call urself! All we are doing is give them

I agree with you!!

monchooza
23 Oct 2007 07:54

bafana bafana= amadliwa(its nothing but the truth)

Segololo
23 Oct 2007 08:06

Matendis<<Come one do you think if the springboks had gone into this world cup with the name “the SA sugar plumps” then they wouldn’t have brought that cup home???? NO I think they still would have won coz they consistently focus on what’s important, which is delivering results on the field!!!!!
>> You rock, my friend!! Ha ha ha!! LOL! LMAO!!

AMEN!!!

pink babe
23 Oct 2007 08:07

HI GUYS THIS IS VERY INTERESTING AND ALSO EMOTIONAL U CANT JUST WAKE UP OVERNITE AND CHANGE THINGS LIKE THAT,ANYWAY ITS REALY GREAT FOR OUR SPRINGBOKS TO MAKE THE COUNTRY PROUD LIKE THESE! I MEAN BAFANA I MUST SAY THEY ARE EXPERIENCING THEIR WORST TIME EVER IN FOOTBALL, REMEMBER WHEN THEY WON THE AFRICAN NATIONS IN 96 WE ALL HAILED THEM AS THE GREAT BAFANA BAFANA AND WHEN THEY QUALIFIED FOR THE WORLD CUP FOR THE FIRST TIME THEY WERE THE GREAT BAFANA !JUST FOOD FOR THOUGHT!

WITH THAT IN MIND THOUGH MAYBE THE SLUMP IS COZD BY THIS, THEY JUST NEED A NEW NAME, SO HERE IT GOES,
FOR THE NEW DAWN MAYBE IT WILL LIFT THEM UP!

bafana bafana - MZANSI WARRIORS!

banyana banyana - SEXY BOMBS

amaglugglug- THE DYNAMITES!

JUST FOOD FOR THOUGHT ANGAZI!

PHAMBILI NGE SPORT SASE MZANZI PHAMBILI!

Brown Shuga
23 Oct 2007 15:31

LOL....mina I agree with Bafana Bafana = Bo Bra Madliwa....

Dimago
24 Oct 2007 00:12

How about: GOLDEN BOYS...since gold is from south africa, and its a sign of wealth, and the winners trophy is gold and it doesn't really have "colour" (black/white) associated with it...

belz
24 Oct 2007 00:22

Maybe GREENGO BOYS, incorporating both colours.

Toodecent
24 Oct 2007 03:06

Why dont they call it Chiefs..? Ma fav team le yona bafana bafana ba phela ba jewa mos?

Pooky
24 Oct 2007 03:45

from Bafana Bafana to THE SPEARS (dual symbol of defence and authority). Its one of the elements of the State Emblem.

Babyface
25 Oct 2007 04:30

Sorry Im late, Name changing might be dangerous, Ask Jabu Pule or Mahlangu about this stru.

Floh
25 Oct 2007 07:34

Dear Mr President,

I was very glad to see you in Springbok colours on the day of the final and it changed my perception about you , that atleast you cann mingle with the people and do the same thing as them, but 3 days later i'm dissapointed, you turning sport into politics, why mara, don't you have things to do?????????

Plzzzzzzzzzzzzz leave the all the sports alone, cause they are all known as SOUTH AFRICAN teams nationally, and i don't see anything wrong with the nickname. Tomorrow we will be told to change our surnames mos. cause we will be told they are meaningless.

@ half cenT............IMHO(In my humble opinion), the sooner the Dec conference gets underway, the better. I detect a hint of Mugabeism creeping into Mbeki here. I so wish it was already 2009 and get rid of that mphefumulo too.

Floh
25 Oct 2007 07:43

To make the president happy the name goes " Mbeki's losers"

mabhebheza
25 Oct 2007 07:50

Lol Floh u sure know how to Flow the words Jeez Mr T Mbeki blogs sometimes just 4political sake...!

mabhebheza
25 Oct 2007 07:50

Lol Floh u sure know how to Flow the words Jeez Mr T Mbeki blogs sometimes just 4political sake...!

Floh
25 Oct 2007 07:55

I meant internationally we known as Afrique Du Suid

Floh
25 Oct 2007 08:03

What did he ( President) suggest to be the names, i wasn't listening.
Surely not umshin'wam?

MADENZA
25 Oct 2007 08:05

Besause we are losing we must change our national team's names, Mbeki oa sika finish and klaar.

monchooza
25 Oct 2007 08:37

i have no problem with the changing of names, mara Mr T-Bose must not say such nasty things like "its very useless calling the team that represents our country Little boys little boys" okokuqala mister president we all know ukuthi change is good mara ke that does not mean ukuthi we must phoxa what we dont want any more but what was once regarded as good by all south africans as something useless. wena nje you should have just suggested haayi uku phoxa

funkylala
25 Oct 2007 09:00

ofcorse out president is 100 % rite but dont you think its funny how 2010 ust changes about everything. he is only telling us that now because of the 2010 but i doubt much that if it wasnt for that then he wouldnt hav said anything. changes are made so quick because of the world cup, which is gud but at the same time a disgrace, it took SA so much time to actually realise that our country is lacking somewher and now improvements are made. they are just doing all this because of the world cup. sowi peeps but this whole thing is just way 222 222222 ....................... for nna

Sam2say
25 Oct 2007 09:24

You know, all you guys are so funny, this is a very serious issue and you still kidding around, cammon guys, you can do better than that.

Mbeki's losers
Bo bra madliwa
Laxatives
Toothless tigers
ha ha hah ha haaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhh kwa kwa kwa iiiiiii iiiiii iiiii

you guys make me laugh though!!!

valerio
17 Jan 2010 07:20

Agulhas could be good

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