Former Bafana Bafana coach Dr Pitso Mosimane says the national team must play with “courage” against South Korea on Thursday morning (3 AM South African time).

It is a must-win match for Bafana Bafana, who are at the bottom of Group A with one point.

“As Bafana Bafana proudly carry the hopes of a nation onto the global stage, we salute their dedication and commitment to representing South Africa with pride,” says Mosimane.

“Wishing the team and technical staff all the very best ahead of their last group stage game at the FIFA World Cup clash against the Republic of Korea. May you play with courage, unity, and the fighting spirit that defines our nation.”

Should Bafana Bafana emerge victorious and Czech Republic is defeated by Mexico, Hugo Broos’s men will reach the knockout phase of the global showpiece for the first time in history.

The Permutations;

South Africa will qualify for the knockout phase as Group A runners-up (and meet the runners-up of Group B in Los Angeles on 28 June) if:

• South Africa beat Korea Republic, and Czechia do not defeat Mexico.
• They beat Korea Republic, Czechia defeat Mexico, and South Africa finish above Czechia on overall goal difference, or, if that is equal, overall number of goals scored, or, if that is equal, Fair Play ranking.

Bafana Bafana will finish fourth and be eliminated if:

• They lose or draw against Korea Republic, and Czechia avoid defeat against Mexico.
• They lose to Korea Republic, Czechia lose to Mexico, and Czechia finish above South Africa on overall goal difference, or, if that is equal, overall number of goals scored, or, if that is equal, Fair Play ranking. If that is equal, Czechia are ahead of South Africa in the FIFA World Rankings, so they would finish above them.