Former Mamelodi Sundowns and Al Ahly coach Pitso Mosimane has picked the unsung hero in the 2026 FIFA World Cup squad of Bafana Bafana following the national team’s historic 1-0 victory over South Korea at Monterrey Stadium on Thursday.
Bafana secured a crucial 1-0 win against South Korea in their final group-stage match to book a place in the Round of 32 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North Africa.
The national team’s progression to the knockout stage of the global showpiece marks a monumental milestone for South African football. This current crop of players has written their names into the history books, becoming the first-ever Bafana Bafana squad to qualify for the World Cup knockout rounds.
Knowing only a win would guarantee progression, Hugo Broos’ men imposed themselves on South Korea from the first whistle, playing with an aggressive, attacking intent.
However, the 1996 Afcon champions were guilty of squandering a handful of clear-cut opportunities in the opening 45 minutes, heading into the tunnel deadlocked at 0-0. Undeterred and desperate for the breakthrough, Bafana continued to dominate after the break.
Orlando Pirates sensation Relebohile Mofokeng and Thapelo Maseko proved to be absolute livewires on the flanks, constantly terrorising the South Korean defence.
The relentless pressure finally paid off just after the hour mark. It was Maseko who broke the deadlock, producing a clinical finish that ultimately proved to be the solitary match-winner—sending the 2010 World Cup hosts into the history books and the Last 32.
PITSO MOSIMANE NAMES THALENTE MBATHA AS UNSUNG HERO
Reflecting on the win, former Bafana Bafana coach Pitso Mosimane applauded the experience of head coach Hugo Broos, while also singling out Bucs star Thalente Mbatha as the team’s unsung hero.
Mbatha played in a double pivot role alongside Sphephelo ‘Yaya’ Sithole in the absence of Teboho Mokoena, who was serving a one-match suspension after accumulating two yellow cards in the tournament.
“You know this game was a tactical masterclass [from Broos], [while] also showing humility and respect. And responding to critics that have been around about the shape we played and how we started the World Cup,” Mosimane said on Smash Sports.
“It was corrected by the coach, and he has built this team now, where we went to the shape that we have always been using, and that’s what the county is crying about. But the coach is a human; he’s an experienced coach and responded well without being arrogant.
“He started with Relebohile Mofokeng in the midfield with [Oswin] Appollis and Thapelo Maseko playing on the sides. And in the striking position, whether it’s Evidence Makgopa, Lyle Foster, or Iqraam Rayners, the one striker always works.
“But the master of all, it was Mbatha, when he’s in the game, you don’t see him that much, but when he’s not playing, you say he could have been there.”
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