Doctor Khumalo sends clear message as Bafana face crucial Fifa World Cup clash
Bafana Bafana face a crucial Fifa World Cup match against South Korea, where a draw or victory is essential to advance beyond the group stage, as emphasised by Afcon-winning legend Doctor Khumalo. Picture: Safa/Old School
Image: Safa/Old School
If Bafana Bafana fail to advance beyond the group stage of the Fifa World Cup for a fourth time, it will be a bitter disappointment for South Africa and its fans.
That is the view of Afcon-winning Bafana legend Doctor Khumalo.
It will, however, be an uphill battle for Bafana in their final Group A clash against South Korea on Thursday. Kick-off is at 3am SA time.
Bafana remain bottom of Group A with a goal difference of minus two. They are level on points with Czechia, who have a superior goal difference of minus one. South Korea sit second on three points, while Mexico top the group on six points.
Bafana’s Path to Progression: A Draw or Victory Against South Korea Could Secure Their Place
At the very least, Bafana need a draw. That would move them onto two points and above Czechia, provided the Europeans lose to Mexico.
In that scenario, Bafana would still have a realistic chance of progressing as one of the tournament’s best third-placed teams.
A victory over South Korea, however, would be the ideal outcome. It would take Bafana to four points and, assuming Czechia lose to Mexico, secure qualification for the next round.
More importantly, a win would almost certainly see Bafana finish second in the group, avoiding the nervous wait and uncertainty that comes with relying on a best third-placed finish.
“At the moment, the game is the teacher. And we South Africans, we actually are a country that doesn’t compromise. We demand success, we demand results,” Khumalo told IOL on behalf of 10bet.
“Our sporting codes in South Africa have evolved tremendously. If you look at cricket, rugby and soccer, it’s been 16 years since the last time we played in the World Cup. For South Africa, this is the fourth World Cup we have competed in as a country.
“I strongly believe that is a milestone and a great achievement for South Africa. Now we need to step up our game and learn from all the years that we’ve been participating in the World Cup.”
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