Motale: Why Bafana Bafana Are Thriving

Bafana Bafana's place in the knockout stages of the 2026 FIFA World Cup has sparked celebrations across South Africa, with many praising the team's unity and resilience throughout the tournament.

Former Bafana Bafana defender Edward Motale believes there is a simple explanation for the national team's success on football's biggest stage - chemistry.

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With Hugo Broos' side progressing to the Last 32 following their 1-0 victory over South Korea on Thursday morning, Motale says the foundations for success have been built through the strong combinations that already exist within the squad.

"Look, we must just have belief in ourselves," Motale said.

The former Orlando Pirates defender pointed to the understanding between players who regularly feature together at club level as one of Bafana's biggest strengths.

"Because combinations are there. At the back, our combinations stand out. You just put TLB (Mbekezeli Mbokazi) in the mix of Sundowns players (Khuliso Mudau and Aubrey Modiba) because they've been playing together and they know each other," he explained.

Motale also highlighted the balance in midfield, where players from Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns have developed strong relationships over time.

"In the middle of the field, it's a Pirates combination, and you just put Mokoena there (when he is available). Mokoena knows how to play with whoever, whether it's (Tshepang) Moremi, (Thalente) Mbatha or (Oswin) Appollis."

The former fullback believes that understanding extends into the attacking third, where Broos has been able to rotate personnel without disrupting the team's overall structure.

"And up front, you can mix and match, whether it's (Evidence) Makgopa, (Iqraam) Rayners or (Lyle) Foster. Then you've got the combination."

Motale also reserved special praise for Evidence Makgopa, whose contribution goes beyond goals and assists.

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"We know Makgopa and what he can do. He'll always take defenders away from a good position so that we can score," Motale said.

As South Africa prepares for the next phase of the World Cup, Motale feels the team's togetherness and familiarity could continue to serve them well against increasingly difficult opposition.