Bafana given courageous continental lift for World Cup opener
by Lovemore Moyo · KickOffWith global interest now descending on the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup this time next week, Bafana Bafana have been asked to show courage for the sake of the continent.
Bafana will be first out from the 10 CAF nations and will do so against co-hosts Mexico next Thursday.
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Just like was the case 16 years ago, this will be a game of worldwide interest.
"Bafana have the task of giving the continent confidence that Africa is to win the trophy just like any other country from Europe or South America," says retired Ethiopian striker Fikru Tefera.
"Everyone in Africa is following Bafana Bafana with interest because they will be the team to send the signal of intention for us.
"This World Cup will be a combined effort for the continent and what we need is a good start.
"If Bafana shows that they can stand up to Mexico then Morocco and Senegal will have added belief in that they are there to lift it.
"After Morocco reached the semi-finals at the last World Cup, Africa needs a winner this time.
"It might not be Bafana winning the World Cup, but it is important that they show the world that we are not there to be undermined.
"Africa is coming from a dark place in many aspects but what better way to show how far we have come through football.
"I didn’t like that a country like South Africa had to deal with such amateur things like having no visas ahead of a World Cup, so I hope that didn’t damage the player’s mentality.
"If Bafana can put in a show of intent against Mexico, then one of the African countries has a chance to win the World Cup.
"Bafana need to get out of the group stages alive then for the stronger nations like Senegal and Morocco they must take aim at lifting the trophy.
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"I expect DR Congo, Algeria, Ghana, Tunisia, Egypt, and Cote d’Ivoire to be all thinking about the knockout stages in this new format.
"Rankings mean nothing because these will all be professional players," says Tefera, who featured for 17 clubs through his playing career including Orlando Pirates.
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