“Put Him In His Pocket” — Khune Drops Bold Bafana Verdict On Facing Mexico
Former captain Itumeleng Khune says Bafana Bafana must pay extra attention to Fulham striker Raúl Jiménez and 17-year-old Club Tijuana wonderkid Gilberto Mora when the two nations face off.
Just as they did during Khune’s era in 2010, Bafana Bafana will open their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign against Mexico, this time at the iconic Estadio Azteca on 11 June.
Sixteen years ago, South Africa kicked off their home World Cup with a 1-1 draw against the Mexicans at FNB Stadium. In that match, Khune made countless crucial saves for Carlos Alberto Parreira’s side—most notably denying a close-range effort from winger Giovani dos Santos, who had been causing havoc for the Bafana defense.
Looking ahead to the opener, Khune highlighted the key threats for the current squad.
“We just need to be careful of Raúl Jiménez, who is playing for Fulham,” Khune said. “I know we have TLB [Mbekezeli Mbokazi] at the back, and he can put him in his pocket. Once we close Jiménez down, I think the job is half done. I also heard there is a 17-year-old wonder boy; we definitely need to be wary of him too.
“Sixteen years ago, we managed a 1-1 draw against Mexico. Even a draw wouldn’t be a bad result for the opening game, especially since Bafana Bafana has recently struggled against North and Central American teams like Nicaragua and Panama. We played three games against opposition from that region and couldn’t get a win. We have to expect a physical game and be prepared for it. Those recent matches gave us a good test and a clear idea of how Mexico plays.”
The highly anticipated opening match will undoubtedly test the players’ nerves with the entire world watching. Following the Mexico clash, Bafana Bafana will face the Czech Republic on 18 June, before concluding their Group A fixtures against South Korea on 25 June.
In their three previous World Cup appearances, South Africa has never reached the knockout stages, failing to advance despite securing four points in both the 2002 and 2010 editions.
However, with the tournament now expanded to 48 teams, a four-point tally is widely expected to be enough to qualify for the round of 32.
Khune, who earned 91 caps for the national team, firmly believes this current Bafana Bafana squad has what it takes to make history.
“We just need to believe in ourselves,” Khune urged.
“Lately, players have been doubting themselves, and even our own countrymen lack belief in the team. As I’ve said before, the players just need to come together and say, ’We know people are doubting us, but we will prove them wrong.’ It is entirely in their hands to make the nation proud.”
