Jackson identifies similarities between 1998 and 2025 Bafana squads

BAFANA Bafana’s 1998 FIFA World Cup squad member Willem Jackson has drawn some similarities between his generation and the current crop of players vying for a spot at the 2026 global showpiece.

- MIHLALI BALEKA.

Bafana first qualified for the global event 27 years ago in France, followed by the 2002 edition in South Korea and Japan. Since then, they returned to the world stage in 2010 when they hosted the tournament.

Now, the current generation is in the running to top Group C in the qualifiers and secure their ticket to the World Cup via the qualification route for the first time since 2002.

While Bafana haven't been perfect — having recently been docked three points and handed a 3-0 defeat by FIFA for fielding an ineligible Teboho Mokoena in the qualifier against Lesotho in March — there has been a strong sense of camaraderie among the players.

Coach Hugo Broos has also selected players based on merit, fostering healthy competition for places in the squad.

Speaking to Independent Media’s sports desk this week, Jackson painted a picture of how Bafana managed to qualify for their maiden World Cup - and what made them tick at the main event — a picture he insists mirrors the current group.

“When coming to camp, the motivation was always there.