Itumeleng Khune Sends Strong Message To Bafana Bafana Ahead Of 2026 World Cup Opener

Former Bafana Bafana goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune has called on the national team to remain composed and focused as they prepare to begin their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign.

South Africa will kick off their tournament against co-hosts Mexico at the Mexico City Stadium on Thursday, with expectations high for a positive start in the group stages.

Drawing on his own World Cup experience, Khune believes managing emotions could be one of the biggest factors in determining how far the team progresses.

Itumeleng Khune Urges Bafana Bafana To Stay Calm At World Cup

The Itumeleng Khune message to Bafana Bafana comes from a player who knows the pressures of football’s biggest stage.

Khune was part of the South African squad that competed at the 2010 FIFA World Cup on home soil. Despite a memorable campaign, Bafana Bafana failed to advance beyond the group stage.

According to the former captain, the opening match of a World Cup can be particularly challenging because of the nerves and uncertainty that come with such a major occasion.

“Going into the biggest stage like the World Cup, you will become nervous because you don’t know what to expect from the first game,” he noted.

Khune stressed the importance of thorough preparation and maintaining focus throughout the tournament.

Bafana Bafana Continue Preparations In Mexico

Bafana Bafana arrived at their training base in Pachuca, Mexico, on Tuesday as preparations for the tournament entered their final phase.

The squad has been putting in the work ahead of their opening fixture, including a friendly match against Jamaica that was played behind closed doors.

Khune believes the players must ensure they are fully prepared in every aspect before facing Mexico.

“You just have to control your emotions because each day comes with different challenges. They must make sure their preparations are as smooth as possible. For that opening match against Mexico, they must ensure that they are ready physically, emotionally and mentally,” Khune said.

South Africa will also face Czechia and Korea Republic in the group stage as they look to secure a place in the knockout rounds.

Itumeleng Khune Criticises Visa Delay Ahead Of World Cup

Khune also weighed in on the travel disruption that delayed the team’s departure to Mexico.

Bafana Bafana’s trip was pushed back by a day after visa-related issues affected travel arrangements, a development that drew criticism from several quarters.

The former goalkeeper said such disruptions can negatively affect a team’s preparations ahead of a major tournament.

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“It is not nice being a player and knowing that you have done enough for yourself to travel and the next thing you hear there is a change of plans because visas are not ready.

“We knew a long time ago about the tournament and this should have been sorted out. It does play a negative role in their preparations for the players.”

Despite the setback, South Africa will be hoping to put the off-field issues behind them and focus on making a strong start against Mexico.