Pa Gaxa shares message for 2026 FIFA World Cup group

Gaxa believes the current crop have already overcome one of football’s toughest challenges by securing qualification through Africa and should draw confidence from that achievement.  

With clashes against the hosts, Czechia and South Korea looming, the ex-international insists SA’s presence at the global showpiece is fully deserved and explained why Bafana should never take their World Cup participation for granted. 

"I've been sharing one thing – they've done the hardest thing, which was to qualify. Remember, in that group we had Nigeria as well, but they became victorious, qualified and they've done the hardest part," said Gaxa.

"Being here, for them, is also to enjoy what they fought for and I just want to tell them, you've done the hardest part, you're not here by accident, you've fought for it and just go and do your best, enjoy yourselves, represent the country and we are behind you.

"Half of these people in Mexico, how crazy it is, some of them support us for whatever reason, but they love Bafana Bafana, so guys, just go there and do your best, you deserve to be here so have fun and make sure you make memories."

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Gaxa added that the expanded 48-team World Cup gives Bafana a chance to achieving something the 2010 squad couldn’t do on home soil – progress past the group stages. 

"It's not easy, even in the World Cup, to go through, but because the formation has changed slightly – even number three [in the group] can still qualify, so there's an opportunity," he added.

"One win and you could easily get into the group stage, but I'm not saying they should be playing for one win, but that's an opportunity for them and I believe they will go through. 

"They've got great players in the squad, young, energetic and they want to do well, so yeah, I'm confident that they will go through."