Former Orlando Pirates winger Lebohang Mokoena has urged Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos to resist the temptation of reinstating Teboho Mokoena into the starting lineup for Sunday’s World Cup round of 32 clash against Canada, arguing that the team should stick with the midfield combination that secured their historic knockout-stage berth. South Africa reached the last 32 for the first time after a hard-fought 1-0 victory over South Korea, a match Teboho Mokoena missed due to suspension. In his absence, Thalente Mbatha partnered Yaya Sithole in midfield, and Thapelo Maseko’s second-half strike proved decisive. Lebohang Mokoena contends that breaking up that partnership would be unwise against the tournament co-hosts.
Reflecting on Bafana’s turbulent start to the campaign, Lebohang Mokoena attributed the 2-0 opening defeat to Mexico to the immense pressure of a World Cup debut. “It’s the first game of the World Cup, there’s a lot of pressure in that game,” he said, noting the players had to adjust to the weather and the global spotlight.