Ex-PSL coach Sean Connor gives Bafana verdict as South Korea clash looms

24.06.26 FT World Cup

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Gaborone United head coach Sean Connor has given an honest assessment of Bafana Bafana's performances at the ongoing 2026 FIFA World Cup ahead of their must-win clash against South Korea at Estadio Monterrey on Thursday (03h00).

South Africa head into the tie rooted at the bottom of Group A standings with one point, having suffered a defeat to co-hosts Mexico in the opener, before playing to a one-all draw with Czech Republic in their last outing.

Hugo Broos and his troops are in desperate need of maximum points in their final group game as they look to etch their names in history by securing a spot in the World Cup knockout stages for the first time in the nation's chronicles.

Now, Connor believes Bafana were victims of the pragmatic style of play they adopted in the opening game against Mexico, and attributes the hard-earned point against Czechia to the tactical nous displayed by the Belgian mentor in the second stanza.

“I think it was quite clear that they wanted to try and defend with a low-block in the Mexico game, and try to maybe get Mexico on the counter attack. I think conceding the early goal really gave South Africa a difficult game,” said the UEFA Pro License holder in an exclusive interview with Foot Africa.

"And then I think they got caught between two stools, they were still trying to have the low-block but they needed to attack more, and it didn't quite gel. The first half against Czechia was very similar, but I thought the coach was brave in the second half, he made some good attacking substitutions, and it was the best football we've seen them play.

With the high-stakes encounter against Korea on the horizon, the former Cape Town Spurs Technical Director says Bafana are better off dominating proceedings and the tempo of the game, but predicts a defeat to the Asians in the final match.

“A point may be enough to get into the knockout stage as one of the best third-placed teams, a win would certainly guarantee a qualification, but they are going to have a very tough game. I think South Korea are organized, physical, and fit,” added Connor, who recently guided Gaborone United to a league title in Botswana.

"I haven't quite seen the identity of South Africa in the two games so far, what's the game plan, what are they trying to do. I think they are caught in between trying to win games and trying to defend.

"I think the South African strength is probably better being on the front foot and trying to dominate the game in the middle of the park, but getting to the World Cup itself is a big achievement, so let's understand that.

"But I think they have a difficult game against South Korea, and I see South Korea probably winning that game.

Having failed to make it past the group stages in the 1998, 2002, and the 2010 edition as the host country, it remains to be seen whether South Africa can finally break the hood at the global showpiece this year.

Hlayisani Magoro

Editorfr, en

Football journalist from South Africa covering African football news, exclusive stories and key events while sharing insights with passionate fans of the game.

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