Former Orlando Pirates defender Edward Motale has cast his eye ahead to Bafana Bafana’s 2026 World Cup campaign in June, highlighting mental strength as the factor that will make or break Hugo Broos’ team.
In preparation for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Bafana Bafana played to a 1-1 draw against Panama in Durban on Friday, 27 March. The two sides will meet again this Tuesday, 31 March, in Cape Town for their final warm-up fixture before the global showpiece.
These matches serve as the ultimate dress rehearsal before South Africa faces Mexico in the tournament opener on 11 June at the iconic Estadio Azteca.
According to Edward Motale, Bafana Bafana can hold their own on the world stage, but only if they show the required mental strength.
EDWARD MOTALE: HUGO BROOS DID NOT MAKE THE RIGHT COMMENTS
“I think in terms of play and confidence, we are up there,” Motale said on Smash Sports Podcast. “The players and the technical staff gel well enough.
“What I need to emphasise is the mental strength. It will be so important if they can work on that. Going into this game [two friendly matches against Panama], then take it to June to the World Cup in the opening game against Mexico, we are gone, we are into the final.
“What I have seen now in Hugo Broos, in the early stages, he did not make the right comments in the media. We all saw that, and the reactions were strong.
“Now he has changed. He has started to let the boys express themselves. He has let them express their God-given talent. Now they are free. They can do vula-valas, they can do shibobos.
“But mental strength, going into the World Cup, will be the key. We will not be able to make it without mental strength. We won’t be able to play our football or any football without mental strength,” Motale concluded.
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