16/06/2026
Khune blames Broos' cowardly approach for Bafana's defeat
Former Bafana Bafana goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune did not hide his disappointment with how the team started their opening World Cup match, where they were defeated 2-0 by Mexico.
Bafana failed to create goal-scoring opportunities and ultimately only managed two shots on goal. Khune did not mince his words, placing the blame on coach Hugo Broos' tactical setup.
Broos opted for a 3-5-2 formation with the intention of neutralizing Mexico's strengths, but things did not go according to plan. An error by Sphephelo Sithole opened the door for Julian Quinones to score the opening goal early in the match. As the game progressed, Sithole was shown a red card before Raul Jimenez dashed Bafana's hopes with a second goal. Themba Zwane was also sent off later on.
Speaking after the match, Khune stated that the problem began with Bafana Bafana's starting lineup.
"This is not the result we expected, and our performance was also unsatisfactory," he said. "I think coach Hugo Broos started the match with a fearful approach. The system he selected made us look like we were on the back foot right from the beginning."
The legendary former Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper believes things could have been better had Evidence Makgopa started the match.
"When he brought Makgopa on with just a few minutes remaining, we saw a difference," Khune continued. "We finally had two players up front โ one who is quick and another who is tall. Had Makgopa started, those balls he was flicking on would have created many opportunities for Iqraam Rayners to run in behind the defenders."
Itumeleng Khune went on to say that the Mexican goalkeeper was not under any pressure at all during the match because Bafana Bafana did not create enough attacking opportunities.
"Apart from that chance for Mbokazi in the first half, the Mexican goalkeeper was just a spectator. We didn't put him under any pressure," Khune said.
Bafana will now face immense pressure in their remaining matches as they look for a way to revive their hopes of progressing to the next round.
