French football legend Frank Leboeuf urges Bafana Bafana to believe in themselves and seize the opportunity to advance beyond the group stage of the FIFA World Cup for the first time, despite being in a challenging Group A with Mexico, Korea Republic, and Czechia. Picture: FRANCOIS LO PRESTI / AFP
Image: FRANCOIS LO PRESTI / AFP
French football legend Frank Leboeuf says belief is the key to Bafana Bafana advancing beyond the group stage of the FIFA World Cup for the first time.
Bafana take on co-hosts Mexico at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. Kick-off is at 9pm SA time.
In their three previous appearances at the World Cup, South Africa has failed to reach the knockout stages.
With the new expanded format of the 48-team tournament though, it gives Bafana the best chance to make it out of their group they’ve ever had.
The 1998 FIFA World Cup winner Leboeuf said Bafana’s mindset will be the most important aspect of their approach.
"How can South Africa do? We can all agree that with three points and one win, you can go through. It is possible for them to do so, and I wish them the best,” Leboeuf said speaking to BOYLE Sports, who offer the latest World Cup odds.
"If you believe you can reach something, it is possible, and you can surprise everybody. We have seen that so many times. Overall, it's eleven men against eleven men. If you have the rage, power, and willingness to do something amazing, you have to believe in it.
"If you already know you are going to lose, stay home. I am sure the players will be happy to show that to their country. It is a big chance for the so-called non-elite teams to reach the round of 32 and 16, especially with 48 teams for the first time. Take that chance, believe in yourself, and see what happens."
Bafana will still have their work cut out, though. Drawn in Group A alongside Mexico, Korea Republic, and Czechia (Czech Republic), it’s difficult to see how Bafana will overcome these sides.
Mexico are 15th in the FIFA world rankings, Korea Republic are 25th, and Czechia are 41st. Where is Bafana ranked? 60th.
Fortunately for Bafana, games of football aren’t fought on paper, and the rankings won’t matter on match day.