Bafana Bafana midfielder Relebohile Mofokeng has shared the national team’s 2026 FIFA World Cup ambitions and explained how they bounced back from a shaky start to reach the Round of 32.
Bafana made history by storming into the World Cup knockouts for the first time at the global football showpiece. That set them up for a date with co-hosts Canada, whom they meet at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles on Sunday.
After losing 2-0 to Mexico in the tournament opener, Bafana dusted themselves, forcing a 1-1 draw with Czech Republic. They then completed a turnaround by edging South Korea 1-0 in their final Group A game to finish second in Group A and book an automatic Round of 32 spot.
Speaking ahead of the crucial Round of 32 tie, Mofokeng reflected on how Bafana recovered from a difficult start to the World Cup as they now aim to venture deeper into the tournament. A monumental victory over Canada will see Bafana march into the Last 16, where a blockbuster clash against the winner of the Netherlands versus Morocco tie awaits.
HOW BAFANA BAFANA TRANSFORMED THEMSELVES, ACCORDING TO RELEBOHILE MOFOKENG
“We will fight to go as far as possible. We truly believe in our ability to achieve this; we will trust in God and give everything we have to get where we want to be,” Mofokeng told FIFA media. “International football is the pinnacle, and as a national team player, you have to evolve constantly. Continuous improvement is essential, both as a player and as a person.
“You must learn from past mistakes to sharpen up for the next match; failing to do so only leads to defeat. We grew into the tournament game by game, and that is what matters most in football.”
‘INCREDIBLE GENERATION’: RELEBOHILE MOFOKENG GIVES VERDICT ON BAFANA CLASS OF 2026
This is South Africa’s fourth appearance at the World Cup, after also gracing the 1998, 2002, and 2010 editions. Bafana squads at previous tournaments included players plying their trade in top European leagues, yet still failed to get past the group stage.
Coach Hugo Broos‘ 26-man squad only has seven players based overseas. Mofokeng feels that despite the Bafana squad being dominated by Betway Premiership players, they have turned themselves into world-class stars.
“South African football is evolving season after season. This generation is truly incredible. I believe I am playing alongside some of the best players in the world; their performances are outstanding, and the majority of us play domestically,” the Orlando Pirates star went on.
“We are doing well for our country, and we must keep fighting for it, because if you don’t fight, no one else will do it for you. We just need to keep working hard to elevate our nation on the global football map.
“We will fight to go as far as possible. We truly believe in our ability to achieve this; we will trust in God and give everything we have to get where we want to be.”
RELATED STORY: Bafana Bafana edge South Korea to book historic World Cup Last 32 spot
