Henry Makinwa Slams Bafana Bafana’s Tactical Approach as South Africa Face Must-Win 2026 World Cup Clash Against South Korea

Former Nigerian international Henry Makinwa has offered a pointed critique of South Africa’s tactical decision-making at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, raising concerns about Bafana Bafana’s approach as they prepare for a decisive final group stage fixture against South Korea.

Speaking in an interview with Footy Africa, Makinwa highlighted the significance of the upcoming match. “The match against South Korea will determine South Africa’s fate,” he said. “In the World Cup, there are no underdogs, and anything can still happen.”

South Africa’s tournament began poorly, with a defeat to Mexico at the iconic Azteca Stadium in the opening group fixture. The situation worsened in the second half as Sphephelo Sithole and Themba Zwane both received red cards, leaving Bafana Bafana to finish the match with nine men.

Makinwa was direct in his assessment of that performance. “South Africa were not tactically sound against Mexico,” he said. “There was a change in their identity and style of play. Using three centre-backs against Mexico was a departure from South Africa’s traditional approach.”

Hugo Broos’s side regrouped for their second group match, earning a hard-fought draw against Czechia — a result that kept their slim qualification hopes alive. Makinwa acknowledged the improvement, noting that the team reverted to a more familiar system. “Against Czechia, they returned to a 4-3-3 formation, which is their traditional system,” he observed. “They showed energy, determination and a strong desire to win because they knew they needed a positive result to keep their hopes of qualification alive. It was a good result against Czechia.”

South Africa currently sit on one point in their group, meaning a victory against South Korea in their final fixture is essential to have any realistic chance of advancing from the group stage. The match is scheduled for next Thursday at the Monterrey Stadium in Guadalupe, Mexico.

South Africa’s qualification hopes have also received an indirect boost from results elsewhere in the group. A favourable outcome involving Mexico’s match against Korea has opened the door slightly for Broos’s side, according to reports.

Bafana Bafana’s 2026 World Cup campaign marks a return to the global stage for a nation that last appeared at the tournament as hosts in 2010 — the first World Cup held on African soil. Their ability to navigate the current group stage and reach the knockout rounds would represent a significant achievement for African football.

For Makinwa, the key issue remains tactical discipline. The former Nigerian international’s concerns reflect a broader conversation around how African sides approach major tournaments, particularly when facing technically proficient opposition. Whether Broos makes further adjustments to the team’s setup ahead of the South Korea clash remains to be seen.