The fact that Bafana Bafana have so many players based locally in South Africa could prove to be one of their biggest strengths, according to former Fifa World Cup winner Emmanuel Petit.
With 19 locally based players in the squad, many of them coming from Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates, cohesion should not be an issue for Hugo Broos at the tournament.
Bafana take on co-hosts Mexico in the opening game at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, with kick-off at 9pm SA time.
Petit, though, is cautiously optimistic about South Africa’s chances.
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“When I look at South Africa, the spine of the team comes from a single club and they have one really good striker, Lyle Foster. He plays in the Premier League and previously played in Belgium,” said Petit, speaking with BetVictor Live Casino.
“Collectively and technically, I think this team has improved a lot and the fact that they know each other very well is something very important when you play in a major competition like this.
“They are probably missing experience and big names capable of making a difference on the pitch, but collectively and technically they can be a surprise package in this group.”
With the new 48-team format, the top two teams in every group progress to the next round. In addition, the eight best third-placed teams will also advance, meaning every result and every goal could prove crucial.
“The first game is always very important. Even if you finish third in a group, you still have a chance to qualify.
“That increases the chances for every single team. Mexico is a very experienced World Cup nation. Even if South Africa lose, they have to show fight.
“Then the second game will be against Czechia and then Korea Republic. That’s why I think even if they lose the first game against Mexico, they still have a chance to grab points in the remaining matches or even pull off a surprise win against Czechia.”
@Michael_Sherman
IOL Sport
