IN response to the football fever sweeping across the globe, Harare-based Salt and Light Dance Group found its own unique way to celebrate Africa’s growing influence at the Fifa World Cup.
The award-winning dance ensemble recently hosted a football-themed dance masterclass, where participants proudly wore jerseys representing their favourite national teams.
The event blended movement, fitness and football culture, demonstrating how sport can inspire communities beyond the stadium.
The masterclass which was held on July 11 when the World Cup began predicted that African teams would capture global attention at the 2026 Fifa World Cup, with South Africa and Morocco emerging among the continent’s standout performers.
South Africa’s journey to the Round of 32 has become one of the tournament’s most compelling stories.
After an opening defeat to Mexico, Bafana Bafana responded with resilience, tactical discipline and belief.
Their crucial 1-0 victory over South Korea secured progression to the knockout stage and highlighted the team’s growing maturity on football’s biggest platform.
Head coach Hugo Broos praised his players after the victory, saying: “I think we played a very good game tactically. Everyone did their job. I’m very proud of the performance of my team.”
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South Africa’s success has been built on organisation rather than spectacle.
Their ability to control matches, defend intelligently and transition quickly into attack reflects a modern football philosophy that continues to earn respect worldwide.
If South Africa’s story is one of emergence, Morocco’s is one of evolution.
Following their historic semi-final appearance at the 2022 Fifa World Cup, the Atlas Lions have shown that their success was no coincidence. Morocco advanced to the knockout rounds after another impressive group-stage campaign, combining technical excellence with tactical sophistication.
Coach Mohamed Ouahbi expressed the team’s ambition, saying: “We have the ability and the belief to become world champions.”
Morocco’s style of play has become a symbol of African football’s growing sophistication.
Fluid movement, intelligent positioning and confidence in possession have transformed the team into one of the continent’s leading football ambassadors.
The success of both nations reflects broader progress across African football.
Improved coaching systems, stronger youth development structures and increased international exposure are helping African teams compete more consistently against traditional football powers.
For Salt and Light Dance Group, these achievements carry significance beyond sport.
Dance and fitness play an important role in promoting physical wellness, mental health, coordination and social connection.
Regular movement improves cardiovascular health, flexibility and overall well-being while creating opportunities for people from different backgrounds to interact and build community.
By linking dance with football, Salt and Light has created a platform that celebrates both athletic excellence and cultural expression.
Their initiative demonstrates how sport can inspire healthy lifestyles while bringing people together around shared passions and positive values.
As African teams continue their World Cup journey, Salt and Light’s message remains clear:
“Changing the world can begin with something as simple as movement, rhythm and a shared love of the beautiful game,one shake at a time,” said Papa E, Salt and Light leader.
