Bafana Bafana players 'ready' for World Cup opener, says Broos
Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos says South Africa are prepared for their World Cup opener against Mexico, urging players to execute the game plan amid a hostile atmosphere as security concerns surround the tournament’s opening match.
Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos insists the players will be ready to face co-hosts Mexico in their World Cup opener on Thursday, saying they have the right game plan, it just comes down to execution.
South Africa head into the fixture off the back of a stale 0-0 draw with Nicaragua in Johannesburg on May 29, and a 1-1 draw with Jamaica in Pachuca this past weekend.
Broos expects his side to face an intimidating atmosphere, emphasising that Mexico is a dangerous team.
ALSO READ: Somali referee is dropped from World Cup after turned back at US border
“It is a very complete team with much movement, with solidarity. You see that those guys, they really want to become world champions. You see that in the way they are playing, the commitment to the game. So they are a very good team, and we have to be at our best level if we want to get a good result.
“You know, it will be a special and fantastic experience for us because my players have never played in this kind of situation before,” the coach said.
“So it will be very important for us to stick to the game plan and not listen to what is happening in the stands. We all know that there will be thousands of Mexicans inside the stadium and maybe a few South Africans.”
Meanwhile, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said on Monday she could guarantee a peaceful opening ceremony for the World Cup this week, despite concerns over ongoing protests.
A teachers’ union has threatened demonstrations at Thursday's opening game between Mexico and South Africa in the capital if the government doesn't respond to demands for salary raises and pension reforms.
"We are going to guarantee... that the celebration of the World Cup is well-executed, in peace and tranquillity," Sheinbaum said in her daily press conference.
Last week, police dispersed protesters with teargas and rubber bullets outside the historic Zocalo square, where authorities have erected a massive screen for a World Cup fan zone.
The streets surrounding the square remain closed off with metal barricades, which Sheinbaum has said are meant to guard against "provocations."
Protesting teachers also toppled commemorative statues of players in downtown Mexico City last week.
Though Sheinbaum has maintained open dialogue with the teachers, the union has deemed government proposals insufficient.
