South Africa during the South African national men's soccer team press conference at Moses Mabhida Stadium on March 26, 2026 in Durban, South Africa.
JOHANNESBURG - “We've done it before. We went to AFCON, we beat giant killers Morocco. I think tonight we're going to do the same.”
These were the words of former Bafana Bafana goalkeeping coach Farouk Khan ahead of South Africa’s highly anticipated clash against Mexico tonight.
Khan believes Bafana Bafana has what it takes to beat the odds once again, pointing to the team’s memorable victory over Morocco at the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations.
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In that match, Bafana Bafana, widely considered the underdogs, secured a 2-0 victory that helped propel the team up the FIFA rankings.
Much like that win, Khan believes South Africa can emerge victorious against Mexico.
“I'm super excited as most South Africans are going to be tonight. We are hopeful, we are positive.”
Khan, who is also the founder of the Stars of Africa Football Academy, said he was beaming with pride knowing that the academy has produced several Bafana Bafana players, including Tokelo Rantie, May Mahlangu and Luther Singh.
He said he hopes the current crop of players at the academy will also pave their way into the national team.
“You've got to develop the holistic approach to developing a person, the complete person, the complete athlete. And without solid or sound education, it wouldn't be possible.
“We show a great emphasis on good education, good nutrition and obviously good training to prepare these youngsters for their life in football,” he said.