Former Bafana Bafana goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune believes Sphephelo Sithole was at fault for the manner in which they conceded their first goal in the 2026 World Cup opener against Mexico on Thursday.
Bafana went down 2-0 at Estadio Azteca in the opening match of the 2026 edition with nine men, Sithole and Themba Zwane being the two players to see red in the encounter.
The result coupled with the outcome of the other match in group A, South Korea’s 2-1 victory over Czech Republic saw Bafana at the bottom of their pool after match-day one.
The South Africans were under pressure from the first whistle and were punished in the ninth minute when Ronwen Williams was trying to build from the back, trying to find ‘Yaya’ who lost possession and committed the costly mistake.
Speaking on SABC TV, the 2010 World Cup participant keeper explained how the mistake could have been avoided by the Portugal-based midfielder.
“It’s unfortunate because normally build-ups are practiced from training,” said Khune.
“And you even coach players who come short to receive so that they should come towards the ball half turned. You must be able to scan the area around you.
“You must be able to know who is coming to press you from which side. Unfortunately, Yaya came in square and the ball from Ronwen was a great ball.
“But I think he scanned the right-hand side so when he turned his head to scan on the left, he lost sight of the ball hence he had a bad first touch.”
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