Mofokeng must start and Makgopa probably should too.
Bafana’s defenders can only look on as Michal Sadilek gives Czechia the lead against Bafana on Thursday. Picture: EPA/RONALD WITTEK
Teboho Mokoena’s late penalty has given Bafana Bafana renewed hope that they can qualify for the knockout rounds of the 2026 Fifa World Cup, following a 1-1 draw with Czechia in Atlanta on Thursday.
Phakaaathi looks at three things we learned from the game.
Mofokeng must play against South Korea
Relebohile Mofokeng came on for the second half for Bafana against Czechia and was part of a South Africa revival that ended in Mokoena’s successful spot kick.
The Pirates live-wire offers creativity sorely lacking elsewhere in the Bafana set up, and surely must start against South Korea, in a game Bafana have to win .
Bafana need to stop sleeping at the start of games
If Bafana are to beat South Korea, they will really need to stop conceding goals in the opening 10 minutes of games.
It happened against Mexico in the Azteca, courtesy of a dismal attempt to play out from the back, and it happened against Czechia as Bafana fell asleep from a long throw that ended in Michal Sadilek hitting the back of the net.
Such sloppiness needs to be eradicated if Bafana are to have any chance of reaching the last 32.
Is it time for Broos to go back to the future with Magkopa?
Evidence Makgopa was the star of Bafana’s best performance at a major tournament in some time, when he led the line for South Africa in their 2-0 win over Morocco in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations last 16.
The Pirates striker is not the most elegant, but he may well be the most effective at Broos’ disposal at this World Cup. He came off the bench on Thursday and immediately provided a much-needed focal point against Czechia.
Makgopa might even have won the game, after brilliant piece of skill to create an opportunity was unfortunately not matched by a quality finish.
