MEXICO CITY — South Africa’s shift away from the country’s traditional, expressive style has become more pronounced during Hugo Broos’s five years in charge, the match against Mexico at the Estadio Azteca underscored. The pre-match homage to Benni McCarthy — the chant “Benni in the 18 area” from the Shibobo tribute — briefly recalled the spirited South Africa sides of the past, but it stood in stark contrast to the team Broos selected for the World Cup opener.
Broos named three ostensibly conservative midfielders ahead of a back five, prioritising organisation and defensive solidity over flair. That set-up differed markedly from the 2010 opening match, when Kagisho Dikgacoi and Yeye Letsholonyane helped provide a platform for more creative players. South Africa still possess individual talent — Relebohile Mofokeng was singled out in the report but did not feature against Mexico.
Broos can point to clear progress during his tenure: he guided South Africa to the Africa Cup of Nations semifinals in 2024, where the team conceded three goals in seven matches, and he oversaw their return to the World Cup for the first time since they were hosts 16 years ago. Before this campaign, Bafana had not qualified for a World Cup since 2002.
On the day, Mexico dominated large portions of the contest, registering 16 shots to South Africa’s three and controlling more than 60 percent of possession. Ronwen Williams was called into action with several fine saves; Julián Quiñones opened the scoring in the ninth minute and the hosts struck again in the 67th. South Africa were reduced to 10 men after Sphephelo Sithole’s 50th-minute dismissal, and a late red for Themba Zwane effectively ended any comeback prospects.
Despite the statistics and Mexico’s greater control, Broos defended his side’s performance. “I don’t think there was a drop in standard from my players,” he told ESPN, adding that the World Cup represents a higher level than the team had previously faced. The Mexico result nevertheless suggested Bafana may not yet be the watertight outfit they had appeared under Broos at their best, even allowing for the impact of the red cards.
