Zakes’ Sports Corner still believes that Bafana Bafana will proceed beyond the group stages, if their performance against Czechia is anything to go by.

They made many of us sit back and think.

Zakes’ Sports Corner made these brave predictions after our 2-0 defeat against Mexico in the opening game of the Fifa World Cup 2026, that it is not yet over despite the defeat. However, before Thursday’s game against Czechia, many were of the opinion that Bafana Bafana were coming home.

Zakes’ Sports Corner doesn’t blame those who thought it was done and dusted for Bafana Bafana after that disappointing defeat. But their performance on Thursday made us sit back and think hard.

They were disjointed like broken toys!

This was the Bafana Bafana that we know! We looked much better compared to our previous game against the co-host, Mexico. The boys were a marvel to watch, and we were unlucky not to grab the winning goal at the closing stages of the game. Those with football knowledge will attest with Zakes’ Sports Corner that playing in the world cup is not the same as playing at club level. This is a global soccer tournament competing against the best of the best in the world. Bafana Bafana’s players were tested and exposed on the night against Mexico. As a matter of fact, 16 years of not taking part in this global tournament was never going to be easy.

Talking about levels!

Zakes’ Sports Corner still maintains that it had nothing to do with the starting line-up, but rather that the players struggled to adjust in the opening game. All of those Bafana Bafana players have zero world cup experience compared to other countries, as it was their first at this global tournament. Zakes’ Sports Corner is talking about levels.

It was unfair for many South Africans to expect the impossible from these youngsters with no world cup experience. But they regrouped in the second game against Czechia, much to the delight of South Africa.

No doubt, South Africa is one of the most exciting football nations in this Fifa World Cup 2026, with some exciting young talent. But this talent must not be rushed. Players such as Relebohile Mofokeng need to be protected at all costs. He is the future of South African football, and he is still going to play in many world cups, considering his age.

Bafana Bafana must go out in their last game against South Korea and leave a lasting legacy.

They must write history for generations to come!