SEDIBENG.- The world is eagerly waiting for the kick-off of the most prestigious event on the sporting calendar.
The Fifa World Cup 2026 is just around the corner.
Sekusele kancane, meaning “not long now,” is the popular song that football fans usually sing at stadiums.
Sekusele kancane!
Indeed, it is not long now before 32 countries turn the pitch into a battlefield for this precious tournament, which takes place every four years.
South Africa is returning to the world football stage after a 16-year absence. The last time the country featured in the world cup was back in 2010, when it successfully hosted the tournament. Since then, many coaches have come and gone, but all failed to take South Africa back to the global stage, until the South African Football Association (SAFA) hired Hugo Broos.
He did what many before him failed to do!
Broos achieved what many before him could.
He built a squad using relatively unknown, young players, leaving out the so-called superstars. There was widespread criticism, and many were convinced he would not succeed. However, those youngsters did not disappoint him, and he proved the doubters wrong.
When he first took over as the Bafana Bafana coach, he faced heavy criticism and was branded a “plumber” by detractors.
He made many eat humble pie
He made many football experts eat humble pie for questioning his selection of unknown players. Despite the noise, he remained unshakable. The old man even took Bafana Bafana to consecutive African Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournaments, something South Africa was no longer used to.
He was not bothered
He has proven he knows how to handle pressure.
After a defeat to Cameroon in the last AFCON tournament, many called for his resignation, and the country was divided over whether he was the right man for the job.
He faced heavy criticism yet again on Wednesday evening when he announced his 26-man squad and left certain players out.
But Broos was not bothered!
Bafana Bafana will open their Fifa World Cup 2026 campaign against Mexico on 11 June, and Broos looks set to prove his critics wrong once more by winning this opening fixture. Bafana Bafana previously drew 1-1 with Mexico in the opening match of the 2010 World Cup, but Zakes’ Sports Corner believes the team has what it takes to win this time.
Zakes’ Sports Corner wishes Bafana Bafana all the best, especially the local players selected to represent the country.
