Ahead of Bafana Bafana's 2026 Fifa World Cup opener against Mexico, music veteran Arthur Mafokate has joined the selection debate by sharing the team he would start.
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Arthur Mafokate has stepped into the football debate ahead of Bafana Bafana's World Cup opener against Mexico and he knows not everyone will agree with him.
The singer shared his predicted starting eleven on Facebook and invited fans to have their say.
"MY MEXICO SQUAD PREDICTION. I've officially made my decision and I'm ready to be roasted," he wrote.
"This is the team I would start against Mexico. Some of you will say I'm crazy. Some of you will say I'm a genius. Most of you will probably say I know nothing about football. Fair enough."
Mafokate's line-up included Ronwen Williams in goal, with Khuliso Mudau, Aubrey Modiba, Mbekezeli Mbokazi and either Ime Okon or Nkosinathi Sibisi in defence.
In midfield, he backed Teboho Mokoena, Sphephelo Sithole and either Tshepang Moremi or Thapelo Maseko. Up front, he suggested combinations involving Lyle Foster or Iqraam Rayners, Thalente Mbatha or Jayden Adams and Oswin Appollis or Relebohile Mofokeng.
He ended his post by asking supporters: "Who would you remove? Who would you start? And do you think this team can come back from Mexico without a loss?"
The responses came quickly.
One fan approved of the selection, writing: "Good one, my legend."
Another wanted a firmer decision from the music star, saying, "A lineup with so many options? Put your head on the block and select your best 11, not 16."
A third supporter felt some players should be kept in reserve.
"I think we reserve Moremi, Foster, Mbatha and Mofokeng for substitutions. The line-up is good, not forgetting Zwane, who can make an impact as a substitute."
South Africa faces Mexico tonight in the opening match of the 2026 Fifa World Cup.
Kick-off is at 9pm South African time, with an opening ceremony featuring Shakira, Burna Boy and Tyla taking place beforehand.