Mexico head coach Javier Aguirre has praised Bafana Bafana and Orlando Pirates winger Relebohile Mofokeng.
Ahead of the FIFA World Cup opener between Bafana and Mexico, Aguirre had admitted it won’t be easy playing against South Africa.
The 67-year-old has never won against Bafana in three meetings. As Mexico coach, Aguirre lost 2-1 to Bafana in the Gold Cup in 2005 before a 1-1 draw in the 2010 World Cup.
In 2019, he lost 1-0 to South Africa in the Africa Cup of Nations as Egypt head coach.
“You beat us (Egypt) in the [2019 Africa Cup of Nations] and I hate you for that. (Ronwen) Williams is the only one left from the Africa Cup, there aren’t many left,” Javier Aguirre jokingly said.
“South Africa have done well. They are a fierce team, not exactly with an African style, but a mix with European football,” he continued. “They have a Belgian coach [Hugo Broos] and some interesting players from Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns.”
Mexico coach says Mofokeng will play in Europe
Aguirre has backed Mofokeng to move to Europe as well as Mexican prodigy Gilberto Mora.
“I have the utmost respect for them. It won’t be an easy game.
“A lot of them have grown together, and they have done well in the Africa Cup. Mofokeng, I really like him. He’ll go to Europe, he’s like Mora [of Mexico], a real player,” said the Mexico coach.
Bafana and Mexico play in the opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup and kick off is scheduled for 21:00 on Thursday.
