Doctor Khumalo sets World Cup target for Bafana – ‘This is our time’

South African football legend Doctor Khumalo has expressed his strong belief that Bafana Bafana can finally advance to the knockout phase of a FIFA World Cup.

The 2026 tournament, co-hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico, will mark South Africa’s fourth appearance on the global stage, following campaigns in France 1998, Korea/Japan 2002, and the 2010 edition held on home soil.

Despite their previous efforts, the men’s senior team has never managed to progress beyond the group stage—a milestone recently achieved by both the senior women’s team and the national U17 boys’ side.

Khumalo, who was part of the 1998 World Cup squad, emphasised the critical role of mental fortitude in major tournaments. He noted that a strong psychological state is paramount for success, drawing on his experiences from the World Cup and the Africa Cup of Nations.

Khumalo banking on Bafana’s mentality

The former Kaizer Chiefs midfielder is confident in the current generation of players, urging them to learn from the shortcomings of past campaigns to finally break the long-standing barrier. Bafana Bafana have been drawn in Group A alongside Mexico, the Republic of Korea, and the Czech Republic for the upcoming tournament.

“We don’t want to see a team that will go to this World Cup not 100% mentally,” Khumalo stated on the DNA Podcast as per iDiski Times. “We saw in ’98 we were not great mentally, and just now at AFCON, that’s the first thing.”

He highlighted the inherent fighting spirit of South African players, suggesting that on the pitch, they can match any opponent. “It’s our DNA. Yes, we understand we’re playing against Europeans or people that play for bigger teams, but when we get to the field, we become monsters.”

Chiefs legend confident of World Cup success

Khumalo believes the lessons from previous tournaments are key. “We should learn from the three past World Cups. We’re so much closer to getting to the knockout stages, and with this current crop, if we get our acts together and we go out there and compete, clearly, that means we can qualify,” he explained. “I’m not disrespecting the three teams; all of them will be difficult games.”

Acknowledging the challenge of playing in the tournament’s opening match, likely against a host nation, Khumalo remained optimistic. “We’re playing the opener of the World Cup, which is going to be very much difficult because of the 12th player. Maybe we’ve got players that have experienced that kind of an environment at Champions League level, but I don’t want to lose hope.”

“I’ve seen the guys, I’ve seen the ups and downs, but I strongly believe this is our chance,” he concluded. “This is our time for us to go out of the group stages. I’m not putting pressure, but that’s what I believe.”