Hugo Broos Told Bafana Bafana’s Best Chance of Surviving the 2026 World Cup Group Stage
- Hugo Broos has been advised on how Bafana Bafana can survive the group stage at the ongoing 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America
- The Belgian tactician is seeking to secure all three points against the Czech Republic after his team lost to Mexico in their opening game
- A former Orlando Pirates star didn't hold back on what the South African national team need to do in their next match against Czechia
Former Bafana Bafana defender Benson Mhlongo has offered some big advice to Hugo Broos on how to survive the 2026 FIFA World Cup group stage ahead of South Africa's must-win match against the Czech Republic.
Source: Getty Images
The Orlando Pirates legend argues that the 2-0 loss to Mexico was not primarily caused by poor tactical planning, but rather by avoidable individual mistakes at key moments.
Bafana Bafana still have a big chance of securing a place amongst the 32 countries in the next round, but need to get a good result against the Czech Republic.
Mhlongo on what Broos should do
Mhlongo, who featured for South Africa at the 2008 Africa Cup of Nations and also enjoyed a successful club career with Mamelodi Sundowns, shared his thoughts in a recent interview ahead of Bafana’s crucial Group A encounter against the Czech Republic at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on Thursday, June 18.
PAY ATTENTION: Briefly News is now on YouTube! Check out our interviews on Briefly TV Life now!
According to him, South Africa must revert to their established system if they are to stand a chance in the competition.
“I think we need to return to our usual structure,” Mhlongo explained. “We need discipline in midfield and stability at the back. Players like Modiba and the right-sided option should be used to push full-backs higher, almost like wingers. That’s the system that worked during AFCON and qualification, and it gives us the best chance to win.”
Broos raised eyebrows at the Azteca by opting for an unfamiliar back three against Mexico, a move that contributed to defensive instability. The match also ended poorly, disciplinarily, with Sphephelo Sithole and Themba Zwane both sent off, leaving South Africa to finish with nine players. Both players will now be unavailable for the clash with the Czech Republic due to suspension.
Mhlongo reflects on Bafana's loss to Mexico
Reflecting on the defeat, Mhlongo dismissed the idea that the formation itself was the core issue; rather, the team conceded goals due to individual errors.
Source: Getty Images
“The system wasn’t the problem,” he said. “We conceded goals we shouldn’t have. They didn’t have to work hard for them. We also failed to make proactive attacking changes in the second half, and that hurt us.”
The 44-year-old, who made over 100 appearances for Orlando Pirates, remains optimistic that Bafana can still recover from their opening setback. Despite the heavy defeat and disciplinary setbacks, he believes qualification is still within reach.
“Yes, I believe they can win the next match and then build from there,” he added.
Broos' side is heading into the match with the hope of securing all three points, as it would keep their hopes of qualifying for the next round alive ahead of facing South Korea in their last group game on Thursday, June 25, 2026.
The Czech Republic also opened their campaign with a 2-1 defeat to South Korea. They are also facing the same urgency as Bafana Bafana in Atlanta, where the outcome could prove decisive for both sides’ tournament ambitions.
Williams sends a message to South Africans
Briefly News earlier reported that Bafana Bafana captain Ronwen William has made a huge promise ahead of South Africa's next World Cup group game against the Czech Republic.
The Mamelodi Sundowns goalkeeper also reflected on Bafana Bafana's defeat against Mexico in their opening fixture in the competition.
PAY ATTENTION: Follow Briefly News on Twitter and never miss the hottest topics! Find us at @brieflyza!
Source: Briefly News
