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 are looking forward to it, we are excited and we know how much it means to everyone back home,” says Mokoena, ahead of the clash at Estadio Azteca, which takes in almost 90 000 spectators.

“We must enjoy the experience and we shouldn’t go back home with any regrets.”

This is Bafana Bafana’s fourth appearance in the global showpiece after also featuring for the first time in 1998, 2002 and hosting the tournament in 2010.