Former Man United Coach Issues Stark Warning to Bafana Bafana Ahead of FIFA World Cup

Former Manchester United assistant coach René Meulensteen has delivered a stark warning about Bafana Bafana's prospects at the upcoming FIFA World Cup, suggesting they face a monumental task to advance from their group.

South Africa has been drawn in Group A alongside co-hosts Mexico and a strong South Korean side. The fourth and final team in the group is yet to be decided, with Denmark, Ireland, the Czech Republic, and North Macedonia all still in contention.

Meulensteen believes the quality of the confirmed opponents will likely prove too much for Hugo Broos's squad.

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The team's recent performance at the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon), where they were eliminated in the first knockout round, has done little to inspire confidence, though it may have highlighted areas needing improvement before the global tournament.

"I think South Korea are a good side and may be too much for them," Meulensteen told Casinostugan. "Mexico will play at home. I don’t think South Africa can win that."

The former coach suggested that Bafana Bafana's only realistic chance of a victory might come against the yet-to-be-determined fourth opponent.

"It all comes down to whether South Africa can win one game, and that may depend on whether Denmark, Ireland, the Czech Republic, or North Macedonia qualify," he explained.

"Out of all those teams, Denmark are the ones you’d expect to qualify, and they too will probably have too much for South Africa."

Adding to the pressure, Bafana Bafana will kick off the entire tournament against Mexico on June 11, a match where securing any positive result would be considered a major upset.

They will play their second game a week later against the qualifier before concluding their group stage campaign against South Korea on June 25.