Golden Arrows coach Manqoba Mngqithi has raised concerns regarding what he perceives as a weak link for Bafana Bafana ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
South Africa is set to compete in the global showpiece this June and July across the USA, Mexico, and Canada.
Speaking on the Up Back Through podcast, Mngqithi was asked for his thoughts on the squad with the tournament just two months away.
While he expressed confidence in the quality of the players and the team’s progress under Hugo Broos, he admitted to being worried about the central defence—an area that faced heavy criticism following the defeat to Cameroon at AFCON earlier this year.
“I believe we have a lot of very good players, and I believe Hugo has done very well for the country, from the beginning until now,” said Mngqithi.
“There are good players in that national team, but there are areas in that national team that I ask myself serious questions.
“And I ask myself serious questions about the central defence of that national team. And I ask myself serious questions about the defence.
“I wouldn’t want to go deep, but I’m just not too sure about the central defence whether it’s resolute enough to sustain the pressure of what the opponents can bring.
“And I do believe in the fullbacks, we are a little bit safe, more especially on the right channel. I think the right channel is solid with Mudau, Matuludi and potentially Morena. I think we are safer in that space.
“The left channel, good offensively but I think there is still a lot to be improved when it comes to the defensive side of our left channel.”
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