Try GOLD - Free
History tells us we can beat Mexico
Soccer Laduma
|December 11, 2025
Bafana Bafana are in an exciting group and I think we have a good chance of going through to the next round, bearing in mind that we no longer have the so-called small countries in world football.
-
This week we hear from former Bafana Bafana defender Lucky Lekgwathi
Mexico have played against us and they know what we are capable of.Sometimes these countries tend to undermine us, but when it comes to Mexico, they know exactly what we are capable of. It’s going to be an entertaining group, considering that we have the likes of South Korea who are also there to compete. Our chances are good because there is also what they call the best third place finishers, which makes it even more realistic to go through. The boys have been doing well ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations and the World Cup. So, let’s see how we do in the AFCON and if we do well there, we will definitely take that form to the World Cup. I mean, the AFCON is going to be good preparation for the World Cup to check our strong points and weaknesses. Obviously, we have a good team if you look at the quality of players, and all of them deserve to be there. Looking at Group A, we also have Korea Republic and might have a European team too, so I wish we could play a few friendlies against teams from Europe and Asia before the World Cup, to gain that experience because, if you look at our team, we've only played against other African teams and our players have been involved in CAF inter-club competitions.
We need that feel and experience of playing against countries from Europe and Asia, and that will make things a little easier when we meet them at the World Cup.
On the opening match against Mexico
This story is from the December 11, 2025 edition of Soccer Laduma.
Subscribe to Magzter GOLD to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 10,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
MORE STORIES FROM Soccer Laduma
Soccer Laduma
History tells us we can beat Mexico
Bafana Bafana are in an exciting group and I think we have a good chance of going through to the next round, bearing in mind that we no longer have the so-called small countries in world football.
5 mins
December 11, 2025
Soccer Laduma
I'm not happy about it
Marumo Gallants may have fallen just short in the Carling Knockout Final, but their spirited run to the showpiece at a sold-out Peter Mokaba Stadium reminded many of the club's fighting identity.
8 mins
December 11, 2025
Soccer Laduma
Let's become role models
We live in an era where positive role models can be scarce, which means the next generation feels lost as there are no examples they can relate to in their immediate communities.
5 mins
December 11, 2025
Soccer Laduma
InTouch With...
SIPHELELE MAGUBANE - UPINGTON CITY
3 mins
December 11, 2025
Soccer Laduma
What impresses me about coach Ouaddou
Let me start by giving credit where credit is absolutely due - coach Abdeslam Ouaddou at Orlando Pirates deserves all the flowers.
4 mins
December 11, 2025
Soccer Laduma
Nobody gave us a chance
AmaZulu FC ended the year on a high note, beating KZN rivals Golden Arrows 1-0 in their last league match of the year, with captain Riaan Hanamub scoring the winner and in the process earning the Man of the Match award.
7 mins
December 11, 2025
Soccer Laduma
Still InTouch With...
JABULANI MALULEKE (PART 3)
4 mins
December 11, 2025
Soccer Laduma
Club vs country saga continues
As the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations approaches in Morocco, African coaches are vociferously criticising FIFA for permitting European clubs to release African stars only six days before kick off of the tournament.
2 mins
December 11, 2025
Soccer Laduma
Agents are very tricky
One moment a player is on the radar of the country's biggest clubs, the next he is fighting quietly for visibility, fitness, and a second chance.
7 mins
December 11, 2025
Soccer Laduma
Champions League race heats up
The 2025/26 UEFA Champions League campaign has produced scintillating football from Europe's biggest and best teams, and as the league phase enters the final three rounds of games, we're starting to see how the final standings may look before we enter the knockout round.
6 mins
December 11, 2025
Listen
Translate
Change font size
