Is Bafana Bafana’s backline ready for the world stage? Former Sundowns boss Manqoba Mngqithi isn’t so sure. With Group A giants like Mexico and South Korea looming, he’s raising "serious questions" about defensive stability and the left channel. Photo: Backpagepix
Image: Backpagepix
Manqoba Mngqithi has highlighted concerns over Bafana Bafana’s defensive stability ahead of the 2026 Fifa World Cup, questioning whether the current backline can cope against top-level opposition.
South Africa are set to face Mexico national football team, South Korea national football team and Czech Republic national football team in Group A, with hopes of progressing beyond the group stage for the first time.
“I believe Hugo (Broos) has done very well for the country from the beginning up until now. He has been exceptional ... but there are areas in that national team that I ask myself serious questions,” said Mngqithi.
The former Mamelodi Sundowns coach pointed specifically to central defence as an area of uncertainty.
“I ask myself serious questions about the central defence of that national team … I’m just not too sure about the central defence yet, whether it’s resolute enough to sustain the pressure of what the opponents can bring,” he added.
Those concerns follow a dip in defensive form. After looking solid during World Cup qualifiers, Bafana have conceded regularly since the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, shipping six goals at the tournament and three more in recent friendlies against Panama.
Head coach Hugo Broos has rotated combinations at the back in search of consistency, with Siyabonga Ngezana, Mbekezeli Mbokazi and Nkosinathi Sibisi among those used, alongside further changes in recent friendlies.
Mngqithi did acknowledge strengths in other areas, particularly at right-back.
“I think the right channel is solid with (Khuliso) Mudau, (Thabang) Matuludi and potentially (Thapelo) Morena. But I think there is still a lot to be improved when it comes to the defensive side of our left channel.”
Attacking full-backs such as Aubrey Modiba and Samukelo Kabini offer quality going forward, but defensive balance remains a concern. With the World Cup approaching, Bafana’s progress under Broos is clear — but tightening up at the back may prove crucial to turning potential into progression.