Veteran coach blames ‘so poor’ PSL for Bafana’s World Cup shocker

A veteran coach has blamed what he describes as the low standards of the PSL for Bafana Bafana’s poor performance against Mexico in their opening match of the 2026 World Cup.

South Africa had a nightmare start to their World Cup campaign as they lost 2-0 to co-hosts Mexico on Thursday and finished the game with nine men when Sphephelo Sithole and Themba Zwane were sent off early and late in the second half respectively.

Raul Jimenez heads home Mexico's second goal against South Africa. — Raul Jimenez heads home Mexico’s second goal against South Africa. Image: Imago

Coach Hugo Broos has come under heavy criticism for the manner in which he set up his team when he opted for a back five that struggled to get going with the midfield three of Sithole, Teboho Mokoena and Jayden Adams not able to create anything for the two strikers Lyle Foster and Iqraam Rayners.

Veteran coach slams ‘low standard’ PSL

However, former AmaZulu, Moroka Swallows and Black Leopards coach Walter Rautman feels the performance was a result of the ‘low quality’ of the South African top flight and not just down to tactics or formation.

Sphephelo Sithole's mistake allowed Julian Quinones to score Mexico's opener. — Sphephelo Sithole’s mistake allowed Julian Quinones to score Mexico’s opener. Image: Imago

“It was a shocking game,” Rautman told KickOff. “But the problem is what I’ve previously highlighted: our PSL standard is so poor, and it shows now in the national team.”

“They allowed clubs with history, like Wits, [Moroka] Swallows, [Bloemfontein] Celtic, and SuperSport [United], who produced top players, to be sold to the highest bidder, who has no history, no background, no fanbase, no top-class players, playing in front of 500 fans at a low standard,” added the 80-year-old.

Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos instructs his players during their match against Mexico. Image: Imago

Bafana’s World Cup quality questioned

“The PSL is to blame for this,” he reiterated. “Only [Mamelodi] Sundowns and [Orlando] Pirates have quality football. They are not challenged by these weak teams with low standards. Even a blind man could see this coming,” he further stated.

Bafana Bafana lineup ahead of their 2026 World Cup opener against Mexico. Photo: Imago

Pirates and Sundowns have the highest representation of players in the Bafana World Cup squad with, eight each from the two PSL giants, but Rautman feels there is need for diversity.

Broos’ men will hope to bounce back from their disappointing World Cup opener when they play Czech Republic on Thursday, June 18 with the European side also looking for victory after their campaign started with a 2-1 defeat to South Korea.