Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos is urging his players to not be overwhelmed by the dominance of the Mexican fans ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup resumption this week.
The four-year wait for the global showpiece finally comes to an end this week when Mexico and South Africa renew their rivalry since 2010.
Bafana face the World Cup co-hosts Mexico in the opening match of at a packed Estadio Azteca on Thursday, 11 June.
Broos’ charges wrapped up their preparations with a 1-1 draw against Jamaica behind closed doors this past weekend.
The grey-haired Belgian mentor has told his charges not to pay attention in what transpires in the stands as they will also have the support of South Africans back home.
“You know, it will be a special and fantastic experience for us because my players have never played in this kind of situation before,” the coach said as per safa.net.
“So, it will be very important for us to stick to the game plan and not listen to what is happening in the stands. We all know that there will be thousands of Mexicans inside the stadium and maybe a few South Africans.
“We know that we have the support of the nation, and we felt it in the last few days, and last week when we started the preparations [for the World Cup] in South Africa. All of South Africa is supporting us.
“This is something we have to remember on Thursday when the game starts, that we are playing for our nation. We are playing for all those people who believe in us.”
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