Brazilian TV sports reporter Leonardo Haidar has shared his deep admiration for South African football, explaining his fascination with Mamelodi Sundowns, Orlando Pirates, and Kaizer Chiefs, while backing Bafana Bafana to reach the 2026 FIFA World Cup knockout stages.
Haidar is currently part of the Cazé TV crew broadcasting the global showpiece across South America. While his own nation kicked off their Group B campaign with a 1-1 draw against Morocco at the New York New Jersey Stadium on Sunday, Haidar has been keeping a very close eye on South Africa.
He was among the global media contingent at the iconic Estadio Azteca when Hugo Broos’ men suffered a structural 2-0 defeat to co-hosts Mexico on the opening day of the tournament.
Despite the rocky start, the Brazilian journalist insists all is not lost for South Africa ahead of their crucial second Group A clash against the Czech Republic in Atlanta on Thursday.
‘BAFANA BAFANA CAN STILL REACH THE KNOCKOUT STAGES’
Speaking exclusively to FARPost in Atlanta, Haidar pointed out that the sheer magnitude of the opening game played into Mexico’s hands, but he expects a strong bounce-back from the South Africans.
“The first game was a little bit overwhelming for them, and the atmosphere at Estadio Azteca helped Mexico,” Haidar told FARPost. “But I believe they can do well against the Czech Republic and South Korea. So, I believe South Africa will be in the next stage [knockout rounds].”
When asked about the individuals who catch his eye in the current Bafana setup, the Cazé TV reporter singled out standard-bearers in the defensive and attacking departments, though he views Burnley striker Lyle Foster as the ultimate X-factor.
“I like Lyle Foster, I think he’s a great striker. Ronwen Williams, the goalkeeper, I like him too. But I think Lyle Foster is the main hope for the squad to go far in the tournament,” Haidar added.
“Aubrey Modiba is quite famous in Brazil because his style is everywhere. So he is very famous alongside [Teboho] Mokoena and Foster as well.”
WHAT HAIDAR KNOWS ABOUT SUNDOWNS, PIRATES & CHIEFS
Haidar’s familiarity with South African football stretches beyond the national team down to the Betway Premiership’s traditional ‘Big Three’, driven by a mix of video games and South American footballing connections.
“I know a lot of the players. With the clubs, I like Mamelodi Sundowns because of the Brazilian players [who have played there] and because I come from Brazil.
“As for Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs, I know them because they were in the FIFA video games. I used to play with them a lot because of their nice kits,” he concluded.
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