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South Africa winger Thapelo Maseko has called on his teammates to raise their intensity levels ahead of Bafana Bafana’s crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup clash against Czechia, insisting the team must respond positively after a disappointing opening defeat to Mexico. Maseko said the squad has reflected on its performance and understands the need for a stronger display if South Africa is to keep its hopes of reaching the knockout stage alive.
Bafana Bafana suffered a 2-0 loss to co-hosts Mexico in their opening Group A match, a game that drew widespread criticism due to the team’s lackluster performance and the sending off of two players. The defeat left South Africa under pressure, particularly as several other African nations impressed in their opening fixtures. Maseko acknowledged the disappointment but urged supporters not to write off the team, pointing to the squad’s resilience during the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, where they recovered from an opening setback to eventually secure a third-place finish.
The winger emphasized that South Africa must be prepared for a physically demanding encounter against a Czech side equally desperate for points after losing its opening game. He stressed that the players are united in their determination to correct the mistakes made against Mexico and show the qualities that helped them qualify for their first World Cup since 2010. With midfielders Themba Zwane and Sphephelo Sithole suspended following red cards, coach Hugo Broos is expected to make key changes to his lineup as he searches for a winning formula.
The upcoming match is widely viewed as a defining moment in South Africa’s World Cup campaign. A victory would revive their chances of advancing from Group A, while another defeat could leave them on the brink of elimination before their final group-stage fixture against South Korea. Maseko expressed confidence that the squad can rise to the occasion, stating that the players remain fully committed to proving their critics wrong and demonstrating that South Africa belongs on football’s biggest stage.
