Former Bafana Bafana captain Neil Tovey says South Africa should avoid half measures in preparing for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be co-hosted by Canada, Mexico and the United States.
With the tournament just months away, he believes proper preparation will make all the difference if Bafana Bafana want to compete with the world’s best.
Tovey believes that the team’s preparation must go beyond local or regional matches. Facing opponents who challenge the squad tactically and physically will be key to ensuring the team is ready for the intensity of the World Cup.
The Bafana Bafana icon emphasised the need to understand the style of play of potential opponents and prepare in ways that mirror what the players will encounter in Mexico.
He emphasised that high-intensity games and careful selection of opposition are all part of what he sees as a proper preparation plan.
“The first obvious preparation plan is to organise some tough friendly matches,” Tovey told FARPost. “There will be windows. I am not sure how many international breaks there are between now and the World Cup.
NEIL TOVEY: LET’S AVOID USING OUR NEIGHBOURS TO PREPARE
“You have to make sure it is not local friendlies against your Zambias and Lesothos. And I say this with all due respect. We just expect tough opposition that is on a higher level than us. We must find opposition that have qualified for the World Cup. They are the teams we need for friendly matches.
“That’s the best way if you are talking about proper preparation. We know Mexican play in a certain way, so go and player against South Americans. I mean Mexico is Central America but their football is very similar to South Americans. So go and play friendlies against Colombias, Chiles, Ecuadors and Paraguays.
“And to prepare for South Korea we can try to play against Japan. You know those types of teams with a hard-working style, that collectivist way of playing. We need high-intensity friendlies, not our neighbours, please.”
Tovey also addressed the cost and process of arranging these matches:
“It should be done already by now. They [SAFA] get millions for qualifying for the World Cup. Spend money.
“FIFA pays hundreds of millions to qualified nations. It should be done already. As soon as the was confirmed, you immediately contact who you want to play against as preparation.
“They should have already contacted the targets. I am sure [Hugo] Broos already discussed this SAFA. It is not a complicated process. The federations know each other. Our president knows other FA presidents,” Tovey concluded.
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