With the 2026 FIFA World Cup finals on the bend, Lamontville Golden Arrows coach Manqoba Mngqithi has offered a candid analysis of South Africa national team (Bafana Bafana).

Former Mamelodi Sundowns coach Manqoba Mngqithi has dissected Bafana Bafana’s strengths and weaknesses.

They aren’t just training; they’re preparing for war. 😤 Bafana Bafana is dialing up the intensity and leaving it all on the pitch ahead of Friday’s clash with Panama. The boys are locked in. Let’s go, Mzansi! 🇿🇦🔥⚽️ #BafanaPride@adidasfootball @adidasza @rexona_sa… pic.twitter.com/0kYCDpM4Pd

— Bafana Bafana (@BafanaBafana) March 25, 2026

Speaking to UBT Football Show, the Arrows boss credited Hugo Broos for doing exceptionally well since he took over the reigns. The Belgium has ensured the team’s regular qualification to the Africa Cup of Nations finals and now a return to the World Cup finals.

South Africa national team is the only Southern African representative to grace the global football showpiece which the United States, Canada and Mexico will co-host from 11 June to 19 July 2026. Bafana Bafana will start the World Cup race from Group A comprising Mexico, Korea Republic and Czech Republic.

With such tough assignments ahead, Mngqithi has shared his impression of Bafana Bafana’s strength, citing a pool of talented players in some positions such as the right-back.

Bafana Bafana’s strength

“It is what it is,” the South African coach said. “I would not say we do not have a team. I believe we have a lot of good players. I believe Hugo has done very well for the country from the beginning up until now. He has been exceptional. I think at this stage, it is what it is.”

However, the Premier Soccer League veteran trainer pressed the panic button on Bafana Bafana’s central defence, questioning its resilience against top opponents.

Weaknesses

“There are good players in the national team—I don’t want to lie to you—but there are areas in the national team that I ask myself serious questions. I ask myself serious questions about the central defence of the national team,” the coach added.

“I am not too sure about the central defence that it is resolute enough to sustain the pressure of what the opponents can bring. In the full backs, we are a little bit safe more especially on the right channel, it is solid with Khuliso Mudau, [Thabang] Matuludi and potentially, Thapelo Morena are safer in that space.”

Regulars for the team’s central defence are Mbekezeli Mbokani and the likes of Ime Okon, Khulumani Ndamane, Nkosinathi Sibisi and Siyabonga Ngezana, Grant Kekana and Mothobi Mvala.

The Arrows tactician said he was unsure about the stability of the left-back position especially when it comes to defending, adding his fears on the striking force.

“The left channel is good offensively, but there is still a lot to improve when it comes to the defensive side. Our striking department, I do better we have a lot of work there in terms of personnel and in terms of clarity,” he said,

Lyle Foster of Burnley in the Premier League is Bafana Bafana’s main man upfront although he is subjected to scrutiny even though there is not much depth in that department. The other forwards are Oswin Appollis and Tshepang Moremi.