Bafana Bafana can shock the world – Clayton Daniels

The 41-year-old, who played for South Africa on 12 occasions, says the team’s recent performances in the warm-up matches should not create any panic ahead of their opening match against co-hosts Mexico tonight. 

He says the team has proven themselves in the last few years under Belgian coach Hugo Broos.

"I know there was those two or three friendly games that didn't go well, but we can't look into that. Bafana Bafana have shown over the last three years that they are really stepping up for the country. I have full confidence in them even though they will be playing against some of the so called big nations."

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While Daniels mentioned some of the players he would have liked to see in the squad for the tournament, he says Broos knows what he’s doing with those he’s given the nod to. 

The Belgian coach has already announced that this will be his final rodeo, and he will retire from the game after the tournament. Daniels named his preferred candidate to replace him as coach and take the team forward. 

"I know we have some good coaches doing really well on the African stage, if you look at the likes of Benni McCarthy and Rulani Mokwena. It's a great thing for South African football that we are exposed to world football and to world class players. I think they can give Pitso Mosimane or Benni McCarthy the responsibility after the World Cup. Pitso is my first choice."