Former Super Eagles goalkeeper, Daniel Akpeyi has recommended that South Africa’s head coach, Hugo Broos, revert to the team’s traditional style of play as they gear up for a pivotal 2026 FIFA World Cup Group A match against the Czech Republic.
Akpeyi shared this advice during his post-match analysis on SuperSport following Bafana Bafana’s 2-0 loss to Mexico in their opening tournament match.
The retired Nigerian international recognized that Broos has put together a youthful squad but emphasized the necessity for the team to leverage its strengths to rejuvenate its campaign.
“First of all, you would agree it is a young team that the coach has tried to put together,” Akpeyi stated.
“With the tactical approach of the coach, he didn’t want to lose and concede that much.
“But unfortunately, it turns out to be a situation where the team has to concede with a lot of red cards.”
Nevertheless, Akpeyi encouraged the Bafana Bafana coach to contemplate a tactical shift by embracing a style that more accurately reflects the team’s strengths, identity, and footballing culture.
“Now, it is to go back to the drawing board and see if we can play South African football against Czech to see how far that the team can be able to go,” he added.
He further stated that achieving a positive outcome against the Czech Republic would enhance confidence and sustain South Africa’s aspirations of advancing to the knockout stages.
He said, “Because, like this, you don’t want to spoil the record that you have made earlier on in 2010 against Mexico and you just want to leave the tournament like this.
“So, you want to try as much as possible to at least get a result with Czech to help give you confidence and see if you can sustain the group.”
Bafana Bafana currently find themselves at the bottom of Group A and must secure favorable results against the Czech Republic and South Korea to progress.