Motale: Why Emotional Intelligence Is Key For Bafana

Bafana Bafana legend Edward Motale believes South Africa's improved discipline and emotional control were among the biggest positives to emerge from the team's 1-1 draw against Czechia at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Speaking during a match watch party in Vosloorus, Motale reflected on the encounter and felt there were moments where Bafana could have received more protection from the match officials.

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The former national team defender pointed to an incident involving Khuliso Mudau, which he believes warranted stronger action from the referee.

"I think there was a tackle on Mudau where he was stamped on. It was supposed to be a send-off, but it didn't happen," Motale said.

"She (referee Tori Penso) didn't even consult with the principal, the VAR. But look, I don't worry much about the referees."

Instead of focusing on officiating decisions, Motale stressed that Bafana's fate remains in their own hands, highlighting the importance of discipline and maintaining composure in high-pressure situations.

The former Orlando Pirates star revealed that he had shared a message with the players before the tournament, urging them to focus on key principles that would help them succeed on football's biggest stage.

"All we have to do, even before the match - the message I told them was: discipline, instructions, discretion and emotional intelligence. That is what must win us matches in the World Cup."

Motale believes South Africa fell short in some of those areas during their opening match of the tournament against Mexico, but was encouraged by the response against Czechia.

"In the first game, we lacked two of them. We lacked discipline, and we lacked emotional intelligence, and we ended up getting a yellow card and a red card.

"Today (Thursday) it was much better. We could handle the pushing and shoving. We could deal with the difficult decisions by the referees."

With Bafana's hopes of reaching the knockout phase still alive, Motale is convinced that maintaining the same mentality in their next outing could be the difference between elimination and progression.

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"And if we go into the next game with that mentality of emotional control, discipline and following instructions, we will win," he said confidently.

"You will come and interview me again when we are in the next round," concluded Magents, as Motale is known in football circles.