How Bafana can beat South Korea: Show mental fortitude in defence, courage in attack

Bafana Bafana will need mental resolve, must be willing to suffer in defence, and be brave in attack in their do-or-die 2026 FIFA World Cup encounter against South Korea in Monterrey, Mexico, on Wednesday (early hours of Thursday in South Africa).

It has been a timid World Cup campaign so far from Hugo Broos’ team.

What has added to the disappointment in Bafana’s campaign is how smaller nations at the tournament have been rewarded for adopting a positive outlook and fighting spirit on the field.

South Africa find themselves at the bottom of Group A with a single point because of their own doing.

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Against Mexico in the opening game, Bafana were shell-shocked and left the Azteca Stadium with their heads hanging after losing 2-0 and finishing the game with nine players.

In their second match against Czechia, they started at a pedestrian pace and came alive in the final quarter to secure a 1-1 draw.

On Thursday, Bafana will have to come out swinging if they want to etch their names in the history books.

A win will give them a strong chance of reaching the knockout stages for the first time.

They are essentially playing a knockout game before the knockouts.

So, there is no room for any form of stage fright in Monterrey.

Former Orlando Pirates midfielder Mark Mayambela understands the aspects of player psychology.

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As part of the process of obtaining his UEFA A coaching licence, Mayambela explored how pressure and expectations can motivate or bring about anxiety in players.

Zoning in on Bafana’s situation ahead of the clash against South Korea, the magnitude of the occasion takes care of itself, he said.

“The players