Bafana’s inside men: Mbokazi, Makhanya key in Atlanta, says MLS coach Bradley Carnell

In Atlanta 

The good news for Bafana Bafana is that they don’t have to deal with the infamous Atlanta heat when they take on Czechia on Thursday in their second Group A match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Bafana were greeted by cold and wet conditions when they touched down in Atlanta at 21:00 on Tuesday (Wednesday 3:00 South African time) after an almost four-hour long flight from Mexico City.

The handful of vuvuzelas that blared outside their heavily guarded hotel brought some warmth and a touch of nostalgia when the team made it inside their temporary new home.

A sneak look inside Mercedes Benz Stadium where Bafana will play Czechia on Thursday in Atlanta. The roof is closed as raining outside and expected to stay that way for the game in two days. LED lights used for artificial sunlight for pitch/grass health and growth. #sabcnews pic.twitter.com/Wm4GucMxKA

The weather conditions, which include a flood watch, are expected to persist until Bafana take on the Europeans at noon (18:00 South African time) on Thursday.

The retractable roof has been closed since Cape Verde held former world champions Spain to a goalless draw on Monday.

The other good news for Bafana is that the playing surface will be much better than it normally is when the Atlanta Stadium hosts American football.

“The roof has always been closed in matches we have played there,” said Bradley Carnell, speaking to News24 from Philadelphia.

“But when we played there, it was always an artificial turf. For the first time, at this World Cup, they have natural grass – which is massive.

“It’s going to be really good for the guys because it will allow them to play their natural football.”

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