Class of 2010 star Yeye on how Bafana could upset El Tri in World Cup opener

Former Bafana Bafana midfielder Reneilwe Letsholonyane has every faith in the current generation of players as they prepare to embark on South Africa’s long-awaited return to the FIFA World Cup when the 2026 edition gets underway on Thursday.

Sixteen years ago, “Yeye”, as he is affectionately known, was part of the Bafana side that carried a nation’s hopes into the opening match of the 2010 World Cup against Mexico.

The midfielder started that memorable encounter and played a key role in the move that culminated in Siphiwe Tshabalala unleashing one of the most iconic goals in football history.

That strike. That celebration. That eruption of noise from Soccer City. It remains one of the defining moments in South African sport.

READ | How the ‘Goal for South Africa! Goal for Africa’ came about: ‘It was not by accident’

Now history offers a fascinating twist.

Bafana will once again open a World Cup campaign against El Tri, only this time on Mexican soil as part of a tournament co-hosted with the United States and Canada.

Like any former player who has experienced the magnitude of the occasion, Letsholonyane understands the emotional weight of stepping onto football’s grandest stage.

And ahead of the clash, the 44-year-old has offered some simple but invaluable advice to Hugo Broos’ men.

For Letsholonyane, the opening exchanges could determine the tone of the entire contest.

He believes the first 10 minutes will be crucial, with Bafana needing to keep things tight, remain disciplined and avoid conceding early as they settle into the occasion.

Once the initial adrenaline fades and the nerves begin to subside, South Africa can then focus on imposing themselves and growing into the match.

“My message to them is that it is going to be