Arendse: What makes Bafana at World Cup again extra special
by Thato Bosoga · KickOffSouth Africa legend Andre Arendse has sent a message of encouragement to Bafana Bafana ahead of their 2026 FIFA World Cup opener against Mexico on Thursday.
There is only one day left before Bafana step into the pitch at Mexico City Stadium to kick off the World Cup against co-hosts Mexico, in what is a repeat and reverse of the 2010 World Cup.
16 years ago, at FNB Stadium, South Africa won the hearts of the world, as one of lowly-ranked sides, after Siphiwe Tshabalala broke the deadlock against El Tri with a thunderbolt early in the second half that looped over goalkeeper Oscar Perez and found the back of the net.
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There was a deafening silence late in the game after Rafael Marquez found the equaliser for Mexico, as the game ended 1-1.
According to Arendse, the competitive edge of Bafana should be different, with the roles reversed.
"To have us back on that world stage is just phenomenal, 16 years is a long time but what makes it extra special is that we've done the hard yards, we've qualified for the tournament and that speaks volumes for a team I think is more than ready to compete on the biggest stage and I think we're going to prove some people wrong," Arendse said on Newzroom Afrika.
"What I've noticed over the last two years or so was consistency in selection, that is always very key. I think he's got a nice balance of youth and experience. There is a clear distinct togetherness in this team and I see that both on and off the field and from personal experience, that plays a massive part in wanting to achieve things at this level.
"It's important (to win against Mexico) but not a train-smash if they don't. They'll recognize that obviously it's a reverse from 2010, they don't have the home crowd behind them, so that's one barrier they have to guard against, fight against but it should be seen as a blessing in disguise, the motivation to show people that we have not just come here to make up the numbers, we're coming here to compete," Arendse added.