SEDIBENG.- Heaven rang with jubilation when local boys finally made their FIFA World Cup 2026 debut.

Thapelo Maseko and Relebohile Mofokeng, both from Vaal, made their first appearance on the global football stage.

They were tasked with a huge responsibility.

The two were tasked with a huge responsibility when Bafana Bafana played to a 1-1 draw against Czechia on Thursday evening. This was a must-win game for South Africa after their 2-0 defeat to co-hosts Mexico in the opening match. However, the draw was a fair result for Bafana Bafana, considering they had to come back from 1-0 down to force the game to end in a draw.

He was constantly talked about.

Maseko started the game, while Mofokeng came on immediately at the start of the second half. Mofokeng’s debut was much anticipated after Bafana Bafana lost their opening game. He was constantly talked about after Bafana Bafana’s defeat, with many under the impression that he could have made an impact against Mexico. It was not surprising when he came on immediately in the second half with Bafana Bafana a goal down.

The youngsters had a great evening.

The two Vaal youngsters had a great evening, with Maseko proving to be the best player for Bafana Bafana on the night. He gave the Czechia defenders all sorts of problems every time he was on the ball on the right wing. His hard work paid off when he forced a penalty after a Czechia defender blocked his shot with his hand. The referee did not hesitate to point to the spot, and Teboho Mokoena converted it to make the score level at 1-1.

It was a forced substitution.

Maseko gave everything during the match, and Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos had to take him off due to what seemed to be cramping after he took the shot that led to the penalty. In fact, it was a forced substitution.

There is no doubt these two are expected to start the game against South Korea on Wednesday. This is the last game for Bafana Bafana in the group, and a win might see them progress beyond the group stages.