“Please embarrass our enemies” – South Africa Sports Minister McKenzie rallies Bafana Bafana ahead of Czech Republic clash

South Africa’s Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, has issued a passionate rallying call to Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos ahead of the team’s crucial FIFA World Cup encounter against Czech Republic on Thursday.

McKenzie took to social media to express his support for the national team while also adding a political edge to his message.

“Coach Hugo Broos, please embarrass our enemies on Thursday when we meet with the Czech Republic,” the minister wrote on his official social media pages.

The statement quickly attracted attention among South African football fans as Bafana Bafana prepare for a must-win Group A fixture at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

South Africa suffered a 2-0 defeat to hosts Mexico in their opening match of the tournament, leaving Broos’ side under pressure to secure a positive result against the Czech Republic to keep their hopes of progressing to the knockout stage alive.

The Czechs also enter the contest needing points after losing 2-1 to South Korea in their first group match.

McKenzie’s comments are the latest show of public support for the national team during the World Cup campaign.

The outspoken minister has been actively backing South African athletes and sports teams, frequently using social media to encourage national unity and pride.

While the minister did not elaborate on who he was referring to as “our enemies,” the message underscored the importance of Thursday’s fixture for South Africa’s World Cup ambitions.

Broos and his players will be hoping to respond positively on the pitch as they seek their first points of the tournament.

A victory against the Czech Republic would significantly boost South Africa’s chances of reaching the next round ahead of their final group match against South Korea.

All eyes will now be on Bafana Bafana as they attempt to revive their campaign and deliver a performance worthy of the minister’s confidence.