World Cup: Rele Mofokeng, 3 Other PSL Stars Who Should Start in Bafana Bafana Clash Against Mexico

• Hugo Broos has been told the four Premier Soccer League players who deserve to start in Bafana Bafana's clash with Mexico
• South Africa's first game at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America would be against one of the co-hosts in Mexico City
• A football analyst during an exclusive interview with Briefly News listed for players the Belgian tactician should include in his line-up

South Africa would play against one of the co-hosts, Mexico, in their first group game at the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Thursday, June 11, 2026, at the Estadio Hidalgo in Pachuca, Mexico City.

The Bafana Bafana have struggled in their last four friendly matches, losing once and drawing the other three. Hugo Broos' side's last friendly match was against Jamaica, and it ended in a goalless draw.

The Belgian tactician has voiced his concern about his team's performance and mentality ahead of the World Cup opener.

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4 PSL stars expected to start vs Mexico

Football analyst, Themba Modise, in an exclusive chat with Briefly News, named four Premier Soccer League stars who deserve to start for Bafana Bafana in their first World Cup game against one of the host nations.

"Bafana Bafana need all the help they could get in their game against Mexico, and Hugo Broos needs to provide a good squad to get the desired result against the host," he said.

"Abdeslam Ouaddou has shown how to use Relebohile Mofokeng this season as an attacking midfielder and not a winger. He should start ahead of Themba Zwane in that position.

"Oswin Appollis is another player who should be played in that left wing, while Teboho Mokoena should retain his place in the midfield.

"One player I would like Broos to trust is Bradley Cross in the left back position, with Aubrey Modiba expected to miss the first group game due to injury."

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Bafana Bafana's predicted line-up vs Mexico

Broos is expected to field his best available players when they take on Mexico in the opening fixture of the 23rd edition of the global football competition in North America.

There is yet no update about the availability of Modiba for the game, as he's still nursing the injury he sustained in the first leg of the CAF Champions League final against AS FAR Rabat.

Ronwen Williams is expected to be in goal and also captain the team, but the selection in the four-man defence might change with Modiba not being available for selection.

Bafana Bafana's Predicted line-up: Ronwen Williams (C), Khuliso Mudau, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Bradley Cross, Teboho Mokoena, Sphephelo Sithole, Relebohile Mofokeng, Oswin Appollis, Lyle Foster, Tshepang Moremi.

Bafana train under tight security in Mexico

Briefly News also reported that Bafana Bafana's World Cup preparations in Mexico have unfolded under heightened security as authorities ramp up safety measures ahead of the tournament.

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Hugo Broos' squad began training in Pachuca with security personnel visible around the team's base camp and training venues. The precautions form part of a wider operation across Mexico, where authorities are preparing for the arrival of millions of visitors during the FIFA World Cup.

Source: Briefly News