A much-improved display from Bafana Bafana against Czechia has drawn praise from South African football legends, with former stars hailing the team’s resilience after Thursday night’s 1-1 draw at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The result leaves Hugo Broos’ side with everything to play for heading into their final group-stage encounter against South Korea, with former Bafana Bafana stars expressing confidence that the national team can still progress to the next round.
Speaking to Africa Daily after the match, former Bafana Bafana, Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns goalkeeper Brian Baloyi praised the team’s response after a subdued first half.
“Super excited with the result and the performance from the boys, most especially in the second half,” Baloyi said.
“I think the introduction of players in the second half injected a bit of lifeblood and excitement into the team. We started playing more of the football that we know, keeping the ball on the ground and trying to penetrate through different areas.”
Baloyi said South Africa looked flat before the break but transformed after tactical changes.
“The first half we were a bit flat, but the introductions in the second half, including Nwana and the other players, made a big difference. We started creating chances, going forward more and making them worry about us.”
He said the team’s ability to recover from going behind was particularly encouraging.
“It was a great performance to come back from one goal down and we even looked capable of getting a second goal. I’m happy with the performances from the boys.”
Former Bafana Bafana striker Mark Williams shared similar sentiments, saying the draw has left qualification firmly within South Africa’s control.
“It is a tournament and we need to put the first game behind us. A point is better than nothing,” Williams told Africa Daily.
“As long as the results go our way, it is still in our hands. We have one game left and if we win it, we still have a chance of going through. That’s the positive.”
Williams praised the team’s second-half display and believed they were unlucky not to leave with all three points.
“The players came strong in the second half. They got the equaliser and in the last few minutes it even looked like they could get the winner.”
South Africa nearly snatched all three points in the 88th minute when Orlando Pirates star Relebohile Mofokeng unleashed a powerful effort from the edge of the area. However, Czech goalkeeper Matěj Kovář produced a brilliant save to keep the scores level.
Mofokeng remained a constant threat during the closing stages, but neither side could find the decisive breakthrough before the final whistle.
Williams believes the young winger is still capable of producing something special as the tournament progresses.
“There was a lot of pressure on Mofokeng. You could see it’s not exactly the same player we see at Pirates every week because of the occasion and the pressure,” he said.
“But World Cup tournaments are about expressing yourself. You are going to make mistakes, that’s fine. As long as the intention is there, these players can produce magic.”
Williams also urged South Africans to rally behind the national team ahead of the decisive clash against South Korea.
“People must support Bafana Bafana from the start, not only when they score. Energy is important. As players, we feel that support and it lifts you on the field.”
He added that the technical team now has a clearer picture of the combinations needed for the final group match.
“Now the coach knows the players he can use. We have the quality. The important thing now is to stay positive and go for the win.”
The match was watched by supporters gathered at an official FIFA World Cup fan experience hosted by Honour, the tournament’s official watch sponsor. The event brought fans together alongside former Bafana Bafana stars who shared insights throughout the evening.
South Africa are making their fourth FIFA World Cup appearance since returning to international football in 1992, having previously competed in 1998, 2002 and as hosts in 2010.
Now, with qualification still within reach, Bafana Bafana have one final opportunity to achieve what no South African team has done before — reach the knockout stages of football’s biggest tournament.
