Sibusiso Zuma: Bafana Bafana must embrace 'underdog' status at 2026 World Cup

Former Bafana Bafana forward Sibusiso Zuma believes South Africa must embrace their underdog status and make a fast start when they open their Fifa World Cup campaign against Mexico in June.

South Africa have been drawn into a difficult group that will see them face hosts Mexico on the opening day, alongside South Korea and the winner of the UEFA playoff (Path D), which includes Denmark, Czech Republic, Republic of Ireland and North Macedonia.

Zuma, who featured for South Africa at the 2002 Fifa World Cup, where they finished third in their group, believes the current squad can use the lack of expectation to their advantage.

With little pressure on them to end their long wait for a place in the round of 16, Zuma feels the youthful side can capitalise on being underestimated, noting that while they may not be among the favourites, they still possess enough quality to compete.

“We have top nations at the tournament, the likes of Argentina and Brazil. I have played against such sides at the World Cup—they can pace themselves and often start very slowly,” Zuma said on Soccerbeat.

“But for us, because we are a small nation and still young in the game of football, what I can tell the young guys is that from the first game, we must go all out. You never know if you are only going to play the group stages, which is why you must make sure that from the very first game, the whole world knows who you are.

“Our team looks ready. Guys like Rele (Relebohile Mofokeng) have the opportunity to shine because he looks ready.

"Even players like Thalente Mbatha and Teboho Mokoena — this is a huge opportunity for them. Judging by how the league has been going, you can tell that the boys are excited about this World Cup, because all the teams are giving their best.

“I think the guys are almost there. There is still a lot of hard work they need to do, but they are close.”

In a recent press conference ahead of two friendly matches against Panama, Bafana coach Hugo Broos confirmed that there have been discussions about a possible fixture against former world champions Brazil. However, with costs reportedly reaching $5 million — about R89 million — amid Safa’s financial constraints, arranging such a match remains a challenge.

Zuma, however, stressed the importance of facing top opposition as part of the team’s preparation, highlighting the value of gaining experience against elite sides.

“If you look at our team, most of our players haven’t had the opportunity to play against the big sides. When you get a chance to play a friendly in South Africa against Germany, or maybe against Switzerland in Switzerland, these are the teams that usually reach the quarterfinals of the World Cup, and you can see the gap.

“A player like Rele (Relebohile Mofokeng) can see Switzerland and think, ‘okay, this is what I will be going up against. So, organising friendlies against quality opposition is very helpful for the team’s preparation for the tournament.”

Both sides will return to league action in the first week of April with Sundowns taking a trip to face Durban City, while Pirates will welcome Golden Arrows at the Orlando Amstel Arena.

* Obakeng Meletse is Independent Media’s multi-sport writer. For fresh video content, follow our YouTube channel The Clutch