Bafana vs Czech: How can South Africa stop Repre at World Cup? Key attacker explains

Bafana Bafana hope to revive their progression chances at the 2026 FIFA World Cup when they play the Czech Republic on Thursday, June 18, in Atlanta.

South Africa started their campaign with a 2-0 defeat against Mexico in Group A. The Republic of South Korea fell 2-1 to the South Korea Republic in another Group A fixture, explaining why it will be vital for both teams to try and get a positive result to avoid early elimination.

In the previous three editions that Mzansi have played, the journey has always ended in the group stage. Coach Hugo Broos and the country at large hope that this time around, the fortune will favour the team.

Cyprus-based attacker Thapelo Maseko has opined on how Bafana can get maximum points in their second game to stand a chance of making the knockout phase. He has further challenged the supporters to rally behind the team regardless of the results posted.

How can Bafana Bafana stop the Czech on Thursday?

“The one thing that we have to improve is our intensity during the match,” the 22-year-old said as quoted by SABC Sport.

“The intensity at this World Cup is very high, there are many high speed runs and the altitude is also a factor. We have to run extra hard and give a little bit more effort in this upcoming game.”

Maseko has further addressed the negative reaction the team received following the loss to El Tri in their Group A opener.

“Something that I’ve picked up as a South African who has grown up in different cultures and environments is that South Africans are happy when you win. When you lose, you are the worst – that’s a fact,” he concluded.