Nine-man Bafana Bafana were left to rue costly errors as they were beaten 2-0 by co-hosts Mexico in the opening match of the FIFA World Cup on Thursday. The two sides met at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, where Bafana Bafana conceded as early as the ninth when midfielder Sphephelo Sithole was dispossessed, and Mexico pounced. Hugo Broos’ charges were further hindered when Sithole and Themba Zwane were both sent off in the 49th and 84th minutes, respectively. The…

Bafana Bafana midfielder Teboho Mokoena says the team will put up a great fight against Mexico in the FIFA World Cup opening match on Thursday (9 PM). Mexico is ranked 14th in the world, while South Africa is placed 60th. Despite the huge gap, Mokoena is confident Bafana Bafana can stand their ground and represent the nation well. “Of course the expectations are very high, it’s going to be an amazing game with an amazing atmosphere. “As a team we…

Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos says the team knows what to expect from Mexico in the build-up to the FIFA World Cup opener on Thursday. Co-hosts Mexico will host Bafana Bafana at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. Kick off will be 9 PM South African time. “We know what to do against Mexico. We know what to do when they have the ball and when we have possession. Everything is focused on this game,” said Broos. “They are all…

Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos has admitted that the practice match against Jamaica over the weekend did not go according to plan. South Africa’s senior national team drew 1-1 with the Reggae Boyz in Mexico City. The match was played behind closed doors at the Estadio Hidalgo as Bafana Bafana put the final touches to their preparations ahead of the FIFA World Cup opener against co-hosts Mexico on Thursday, 11 June. “The performance was not what I expected. I…

The South African Football Association (SAFA) has offered an apology to the nation following Bafana Bafana’s failure to travel to the Americas for the FIFA World Cup. Bafana Bafana were due to leave on Sunday morning, but were unable to do so due to an “administrative bungle” by SAFA. It was established that players and officials did not have their visas. Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie lashed out, stating South Africa is “made to look like fools” and demanded answers from…

Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie is hopping mad after Bafana Bafana failed to travel to the Americas for this year’s FIFA World Cup. Bafana Bafana were due to fly out on Sunday morning, but remain at home because of an “administrative bungle” that resulted in some players failing to receive their visas on time. McKenzie took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to vent his frustrations over the matter, but also assured the nation that he has demanded answers from…

Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos has revealed the 26-man squad to represent South Africa at the FIFA World Cup to be co-hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada from 11 June. Broos announced the team at the Union Buildings in Pretoria, in the presence of the country’s president, Cyril Ramaphosa. Bafana Bafana have been drawn in Group A, alongside co-hosts Mexico, as well as Korea Republic and Czech Republic. Broos’s men will open the tournament with a clash…

Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos will announce the squad heading to the FIFA World Cup on Wednesday, 27 May. Broos will name the team at the Union Buildings in Pretoria, Tshwane. The preliminary squads of up to 55 players were due on 11 May, and the final 26-man lists must be submitted by June 1. The tournament opens on 11 June with Mexico vs South Africa at the Estadio Azteca. Broos is expected to stick to the tried and…

The search will soon be on for the next head coach of South Africa’s senior football team, Bafana Bafana. The South African Football Association (SAFA) is preparing for life after Hugo Broos, whose tenure as Bafana Bafana coach is set to end after the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Broos is expected to retire after the global showpiece, though SAFA says the door remains open for him to continue, but he would have to re-apply for the job. The Belgian has…

According to Bafana Bafana captain Ronwen Williams, the level of commitment from the team has been “amazing” in the build up to the FIFA World Cup. Bafana Bafana are fresh off a 2-1 defeat to Panama at the DHL Stadium in Cape Town, a match which took place on Tuesday. However, Williams’ view is that the players are fighting hard for the country following a disappointing showing at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), where they were knocked out…