Bafana Bafana players are not happy with their performance in the opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup against co-hosts Mexico last Thursday.
Keeper Ricardo Goss and forward Thapelo Maseko say the team will have to improve in their two remaining group matches if Bafana Bafana are to progress to the second round of the tournament for the very first time.
Goss says the fact that Bafana have not lost two matches in a row in a very long time will motivate the team.
He says the game against the Mexicans is in the past.
“We are obviously disappointed with the result. But I think the performance was good, like the coach said, we played a really good side, and I think now we must learn from the previous game and just take the lessons to the next game against Czechia,” adds Goss.
“Like you say, it’s now water under the bridge in a game of football. I think you draw, you lose, you win, this is a loss. We are not used to losing, but I think it’s lessons learnt and you’re going to the next one and try and get all the points.”
Twenty-two-year-old forward Thapelo Maseko was a surprise inclusion in the final 26-man squad for the World Cup.
He is one of the seven overseas-based players in the Bafana Bafana World Cup team and plies his trade for AEL Limassol in Cyprus.
Maseko says they have already reflected on their performance in the opening match of the tournament.
“It’s something we spoke about and the entire team was really not happy about the result. But we talked about it, and we want to improve as much as it’s a big tournament and there’s very big teams participating. We must showcase our talents and not let down the people of South Africa,” adds Maseko.
FIFA World Cup | Bafana Bafana determined to bounce back
