Ex-Spurs Stars Light Up the World Cup for Bafana

Two legendary ex-Cape Town Spurs players etched their names into South African football history by scoring for Bafana Bafana at the FIFA World Cup.

Benni McCarthy, who had a brief but impactful loan spell at Spurs in the 1996/97 season, scored South Africa’s first-ever World Cup goal against Denmark in 1998 and added another strike in 2002.

Shaun Bartlett, who played for Spurs in the early 90s and again on loan in 1998, delivered a memorable brace against Saudi Arabia during the 1998 tournament in France.

Together, McCarthy (2 goals) and Bartlett (2 goals) accounted for four of South Africa’s 11 World Cup goals to date.

Their journeys from Spurs to global stages perfectly embody the talent pipeline that Spurs have long nurtured.

Even years later, McCarthy and Bartlett remain shining examples of how ex-Spurs players have carried Bafana’s hopes on the biggest stage.

Two ex-Spurs academy stars, Oswin Appollis (Orlando Pirates) and Jayden Adams (Mamelodi Sundowns), are proudly representing Bafana at the ongoing 2026 World Cup, continuing the club’s proud legacy on the biggest stage.