Bafana Bafana greats Reneilwe ‘Yeye’ Letsholonyane and Edward ‘Magents’ Motale have admitted they are not feeling the 2026 FIFA World Cup euphoria, just less than three months before the tournament kicks off.
The United States, Canada and Mexico will jointly host the quadrennial global football jamboree between June 11 and July 19. South Africa will be making their fourth appearance at the tournament they last featured in 16 years ago as hosts.
Normally, the start of a World Cup year sees the build-up of tournament frenzy, even in countries not participating. The competitiveness of leagues also heightens as players fight to go to the finals.
‘NO VIBE’ – YEYE AND MAGENTS AGREE ON THE RUN UP TO THE WORLD CUP
“Not really. No vibe,” Letsholonyane responded to FARPost when asked if he could feel the World Cup buzz in South Africa.
“Maybe it is because we are not the ones hosting. When we hosted in 2010, everything around you was about the World Cup. It was crazy, everyone was crazy. This one is being held elsewhere. No vibe.”
Motale echoes the same sentiments. “I’m worried because we are almost in April and there is no hype about the World Cup,” the former Orlando Pirates captain told FARPost.
“Everything is just low. No vibe, no promotion. It’s so quiet, and you can’t tell we are in a World Cup year.”
Even the recent launch of Bafana World Cup kits in Sandton appeared to have failed to get fans into the World Cup mood. The glittering and star-studded event did not catch the attention of South African supporters.
PLAYERS UNDER SCRUTINY AS WORLD CUP EDGES CLOSER
Now, Bafana kick off their World Cup preparations by facing Panama in back-to-back international friendlies on Friday and Tuesday next week. The matches could, however, spark a vibrant build-up to the tournament.
Bafana’s performance against Panama could also determine whether they win fans’ hearts and heighten expectations for themselves. Letsholonaye says that while there is no World Cup euphoria, the battle for a plane seat to North America is brutal among players, both in the PSL and abroad.
“They [players] are doing everything they can to be part of the final squad. I’m sure they are fighting hard to be counted among those going to the World Cup,” former Kaizer Chiefs star Letsholonyane added.
“I can see that there are those players so serious about going to the World Cup. It’s just like during our time [in 2010] when everyone wanted to be in the Bafana squad since we were the hosts.”
FOCUS ON STRIKERS’ FIGHT TO WIN BROOS’ ATTENTION
With eight games to go before the Betway Premiership title race concludes, the league’s top goal-scorer is currently on 12 goals. Golden Arrows striker Junior Dion leads the scorers chart.
The duo trailing him, Iqraam Rayners and Bradley Grobler, have 10 and eight goals, respectively. But they are not in Bafana coach Hugo Broos’ plans. Usually, spearheading Broos’ strikeforce are Lyle Foster and Evidence Makgopa, whose goal returns do not give the impression of players fighting to go to the World Cup.
Makgopa has five league goals for Pirates, while Burnley FC striker Foster has managed a paltry three goals in 23 English Premier League appearances.
But Motale is still convinced players are giving it a big fight to go to the global football showpiece.
“I see they are all fighting to be in the squad. Everybody is giving 150 per cent. Those already in the team are also giving 150 per cent to be selected,” declared Motale.
“We hardly hear about those based abroad, less news. Not sure if they are playing, but I’m sure they are doing their best.
“I can’t mention the exact players, but I can see all of them from bottom to top. Those not in Broos’ data, I’m happy they are knocking, and I’m happy Broos is watching matches.”
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