Sports icon Thierry Henry recalled the South African team's pre-match tunnel routine, which included chanting and shouting, from the 1998 FIFA World Cup.

As his French side prepared to play the hosts in the group round, Henry—who would later win the tournament—recalled the horrifying environment generated by the South African players.

Speaking about the incident, the former Arsenal player and French national team member admitted, "It's one of the two games in my career where I was actually scared."

His remarks bring to light the emotional and mental strain that football players may experience in the days leading up to a game, especially when facing an exceptionally confident, cohesive, and team-spirited opponent.

In their first World Cup encounter, France took against South Africa on June 12, 1998, at the Stade Vélodrome in Marseille. Thierry Henry, Christophe Dugarry, and Pierre Issa (via an own goal) scored for the hosts, who cruised to a 3-0 victory.

No matter what happened, Bafana Bafana's debut on the international stage elevated South African football's legacy. After apartheid ended and international football resumed, the South African national team achieved history by qualifying for the World Cup.

Henry, who was a Betway Global Ambassador back then, was overwhelmed with emotion when he appeared on MSW on 947, right before the much-anticipated Soweto Derby.

Everyone thought they had a glimpse inside the mind of a legendary football player as he reflected on life through a chat full of humour, serious topics, football jargon, and wisdom.

Henry was an integral part of France's heyday of football and had a stellar career playing for Arsenal and Barcelona. In 1998, he won the World Cup, and in 2000, he won the European Championship.

An interesting reminder that the most memorable moments in football do not often include goals and trophies is his comment on Bafana Bafana. Intense pre-kickoff rituals can leave an impression on fans that lasts for years.

In light of Henry's account, South African supporters have even more cause to rejoice over Bafana Bafana's unique character and philosophy, the members of which had an effect on the eventual world winners.

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