“Breathe And Restrain Yourself” – McKenzie Goes To War With Ex-Players Over Bafana Insults
Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie has come to the defence of Bafana Bafana, criticising former players for what he believes is excessive criticism of the national team and backing Hugo Broos’ men to prove their doubters wrong by reaching the FIFA World Cup knockout stages.
Bafana Bafana’s World Cup campaign has come under intense scrutiny, particularly following their defeat to co-hosts Mexico in their Group A opener.
Much of the criticism from former South African players and football analysts was directed at head coach Hugo Broos, whose tactical approach was heavily questioned.
The Belgian mentor came under fire for deploying a defensive line-up featuring five defenders and three defensive midfielders against Mexico, with critics arguing that the setup lacked ambition and allowed the opposition to dictate the game.
The backlash intensified on social media and across various football platforms, with some former players suggesting South Africa’s approach was too cautious for a tournament of this magnitude.
However, the mood around the national team shifted following their hard-fought 1-1 draw against Czechia earlier this week. The result not only restored confidence within the squad but also kept their hopes of reaching the knockout stages alive.
It was against this backdrop that McKenzie publicly defended the team and urged critics to exercise patience.
“In South Africa, you have some ex-players who never played on this level, busy hurling insults at Bafana Bafana players. Breathe and restrain yourself, please. Our boys will shame you by advancing to the next round,” McKenzie wrote on X.
The minister’s comments underline the growing divide between those questioning the team’s performances and those calling for patience as Bafana Bafana continue their quest for qualification.
South Africa now faces a crucial test when they take on second-placed South Korea at Estadio Monterrey on Thursday. The match could prove decisive in determining their chances of progressing to the knockout rounds.
Should Bafana Bafana finish second in Group A, they will automatically qualify for the Round of 32. A third-place finish could also be enough to secure progression as one of the tournament’s best third-placed teams, although that scenario would likely require victory against South Korea.
The encounter presents Broos and his players with another opportunity to answer their critics and strengthen their bid to reach the knockout stages.
