Kagisho Dikgacoi expresses concerns over Bafana Bafana preparations

Hugo Broos’ side have only played three matches since the Afcon earlier this year - two against Panama in Durban and Cape Town in March, and one against Nicaragua in Soweto last week. Dikgacoi, who played in the 2010 edition on home soil, says that team had a more vigorous preparation for the tournament than the current one.

"If you remember when we played in the 2010 World Cup, we had ample friendly games building up towards the World Cup with tougher opposition. That's when we tested ourselves," said Dikgacoi.

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"It was unfortunate that we couldn't progress to the next round. But I feel the preparation was good enough, and not to make excuses for our performances at that time, but I think SAFA again should've done the same. But it's done; there's not much time left for the boys to go out and represent us."

The former midfield hard man also made a plea to the fans to rally behind the team and put aside their club allegiances for now. He says the division within the supporters regarding the team selection is not good for Bafana, and whoever has made the team is there to represent the whole country.

Dikgacoi gave credit to Broos and his technical team for creating an identity in the team and keeping the core of the players together for a number of years. He says the familiarity with each other will stand them in good stead at the World Cup.

Regarding Bafana’s chances of making it to the knockout stages for the first time in history, the former Crystal Palace player says all they have to do is avoid defeat in the opening game against Mexico, and believes they’ll have it a bit easier with both Czechia and South Korea in Group A.