Laced Up Reports

Providing You With The Latest Football News ⚽️🌎

[Laced Up Reports @LacedUpReport]

Bafana Bafana’s 2026 World Cup campaign got off to a disappointing start last night, falling 2-0 to hosts Mexico at the intimidating Estadio Azteca.

From the moment the lineup dropped, the intent was clear: a cautious 3-5-2 (or five-at-the-back) setup with wing-backs Khuliso Mudau and Aubrey Modiba, a solid central trio of Ime Okon, Mbekezeli Mbokazi and Nkosinathi Sibisi, and Lyle Foster & Iqraam Rayners leading the line.

Key creator Themba Zwane started on the bench, along side two notable stars, namely, Oswin Appollis and Relebohile Mofokeng.

Tactically it made sense — absorb pressure from a vocal home crowd and look to hit on the counter. But the plan unravelled almost immediately.
Mexico took the lead in the 9th minute after capitalising on a turnover in midfield (Julián Quiñones finishing).

Bafana struggled to play out from the back against El Tri’s aggressive press and never recovered their composure. The final numbers tell the story: 39% possession, just 3 shots all game, 0.08 xG, and only 2 touches in the opposition box. Mexico, by comparison, had 61% possession, 16 shots, 1.46 xG and 20 touches in the box.

Even after going behind, there was little tactical adjustment. Foster and Rayners were left isolated with almost no service from midfield, and long balls too often found the touchline instead of creating anything meaningful. Going into the second half, many expected a change in shape or more attacking intent from the bench. Instead, Bafana largely stuck with the same structure.

The task became even harder when Sphephelo Sithole was sent off in the 49th minute, followed by substitute Themba Zwane in the 84th minute — leaving Bafana with nine men for the closing stages. The substitutions that followed didn’t alter the shape or inject the urgency needed.

This was a performance that felt a long way from the team that reached the AFCON semi-finals. At 60th in the FIFA rankings, the display against the 14th-ranked hosts exposed clear gaps in build-up play, midfield control and in-game adaptation.

There’s still time to put this right in the next two group games, but tonight highlighted exactly where improvements are needed — starting with more belief when playing out and better support for the front line.

What are your thoughts on the tactical approach and what changes would you like to see against the next opponents?

Let’s discuss 👇

#BafanaBafana #WorldCup2026 #LUR

[Laced Up Reports @LacedUpReport]

𝐒𝐢𝐱𝐭𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐲𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐬…

Sixteen long years since the world last heard the South African roar on the biggest stage.

Today the wait ends.

Bafana Bafana returns…

Not to take part… but to 𝐓𝐀𝐊𝐄𝐎𝐕𝐄𝐑.

Mexico again. The same opening fixture where destiny first smiled on us in 2010.

When Siphiwe Tshabalala unleashed that thunderbolt and the whole continent rose as one voice famously cried out:
“𝐆𝐎𝐀𝐋 𝐁𝐀𝐅𝐀𝐍𝐀 𝐁𝐀𝐅𝐀𝐍𝐀!
𝐆𝐎𝐀𝐋 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐒𝐎𝐔𝐓𝐇 𝐀𝐅𝐑𝐈𝐂𝐀!
𝐆𝐎𝐀𝐋 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐀𝐋𝐋 𝐀𝐅𝐑𝐈𝐂𝐀!”

That goal was never just ours.

It belonged to every dreamer from Cairo to Cape Town, from Lagos to Lilongwe.

It was a promise whispered across the motherland.

Now we step back into the light carrying that same fire only brighter, hungrier, unbreakable.

𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐢𝐬 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐦𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭.
𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐢𝐬 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞.
𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐢𝐬 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐭𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫.

𝐆𝐎𝐀𝐋 𝐁𝐀𝐅𝐀𝐍𝐀 𝐁𝐀𝐅𝐀𝐍𝐀!
𝐆𝐎𝐀𝐋 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐒𝐎𝐔𝐓𝐇 𝐀𝐅𝐑𝐈𝐂𝐀!
𝐆𝐎𝐀𝐋 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐀𝐋𝐋 𝐀𝐅𝐑𝐈𝐂𝐀!

💚💛

#BafanaBafana  #ReBafanaKaofela #FIFAWorldCup2026 #LUR #MEXRSA

[Laced Up Reports @LacedUpReport]

𝐁𝐀𝐅𝐀𝐍𝐀 𝐁𝐀𝐅𝐀𝐍𝐀 𝐏𝐑𝐄𝐃𝐈𝐂𝐓𝐄𝐃 𝐗𝐈 🇿🇦🔥

World Cup opener incoming. This is how we see Broos lining them up in Mexico City.

Formation: 4-2-3-1 / 4-3-3 hybrid depending on how fluid Zwane drops in.

This setup gives us defensive solidity with Mbokazi/Okon, midfield control through Adams & Mokoena, and attacking flair on the wings with Appollis & Maseko feeding Foster.

What do you think? Bold prediction or spot on? Drop your changes below 👇

#LacedUpReports #WorldCup2026

[Laced Up Reports @LacedUpReport]

John Terry has singled out Bafana Bafana & Chicago Fire defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi as one to watch at the 2026 World Cup 🔥

In his SuperSport TV interview today, JT said:

“I think he is a top player. I think he’s actually got the potential to be one of the big stars among the defenders and young players coming through, and that can be really positive for the team. I really like him. I like his attitude and the mentality side of things that I see. So I’m excited to see him against some bigger and better opposition throughout this tournament.”

Game recognises game 🇿🇦💙

#LUR

[Laced Up Reports @LacedUpReport]

🚨 𝐈𝐓’𝐒 𝐎𝐅𝐅𝐈𝐂𝐀𝐋 🚨

Andoni Iraola is the new Liverpool Head Coach.

The Spaniard has signed a three-year deal, with the club holding an option to extend his stay beyond that.

Liverpool’s hierarchy see Iraola as one of the brightest tactical minds in European football, believing his high-intensity, attack-minded approach perfectly aligns with the club’s vision for the future.

Anfield has its new leader.

Official announcement imminent. 🔴

#LUR #LFC

[Laced Up Reports @LacedUpReport]

KAI HAVERTZ BECOMES JUST THE NINTH PLAYER IN HISTORY TO SCORE IN MULTIPLE UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINALS. 🏆⭐

When the stakes are highest, he shows up. Absolutely clutch. 🔥👑

#LUR #UCLFinal

[Laced Up Reports @LacedUpReport]

Biggest Snub? 🤔

[Laced Up Reports @LacedUpReport]

🚨 𝐁𝐈𝐆𝐆𝐄𝐒𝐓 𝐌𝐈𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐊𝐄 𝐈𝐍 𝐁𝐑𝐎𝐎𝐒’ 𝐅𝐈𝐍𝐀𝐋 𝐁𝐀𝐅𝐀𝐍𝐀 𝐒𝐐𝐔𝐀𝐃? 👇

Hugo Broos just dropped the 23-man squad for the Panama friendlies… and left out THESE notable players:

Players LEFT OUT:
• Sipho Chaine (Orlando Pirates)
• Patrick Maswanganyi (Orlando Pirates)
• Kamogelo Sebelele (Orlando Pirates)
• Deano Van Rooyen (Orlando Pirates)
• Thapelo Morena (Mamelodi Sundowns) • Iqraam Rayners (Mamelodi Sundowns)
• Mohau Nkota (Al-Ettifaq)
• Darren Johnson (AmaZulu)
• Olwethu Makhanya (Philadelphia Union) • Vuyo Letlapa (Sekhukhune United)
• Tylon Smith (QPR)
• Ndamulelo Maphangule (Polokwane City)
• Mthetheleli Mthiyane (Stellenbosch FC) • Luke Le Roux (Portsmouth)

+ ZERO Kaizer Chiefs players called up again 👀

Biggest snub here? Vote below 👇

[Laced Up Reports @LacedUpReport]

𝐄𝐍𝐃 𝐎𝐅 𝐓𝐇𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐃

South Africa has many hidden gems scattered around the world’s best leagues.

Hopefully we can recruit some of these talents to add to the competitiveness in the national pool.

Which players do you think SAFA should move for?

[Laced Up Reports @LacedUpReport]

𝐏𝐎𝐒𝐒𝐈𝐁𝐋𝐄 𝐁𝐀𝐅𝐀𝐍𝐀 𝐀𝐃𝐃𝐈𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐒?

Players eligible for South Africa via birth, parents or ancestry but currently with other nations (youth-only or uncapped senior).

They can STILL switch per FIFA rules.

Who should SAFA target?

🧵🇿🇦

[Laced Up Reports @LacedUpReport]

𝐉𝐎𝐒𝐇𝐔𝐀 𝐕𝐀𝐍 𝐒𝐂𝐇𝐎𝐎𝐑

19, Left-Back

Club: Everton U21 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

2025/26: ~16 apps, 1 goal + assists in PL2.

Emerging strongly.

South African eligibility via heritage.

Premier League academy gem and a consistent defender with high upside potential.

[Laced Up Reports @LacedUpReport]

𝐂𝐎𝐑𝐑𝐈𝐄 𝐍𝐃𝐀𝐁𝐀

26, Centre-Back/Left-Back

Club: US Lecce (Serie A) 🇮🇹

2025/26: ~11 appearances (~400 mins) in top flight.

Adapting well physically.

Irish-born with South African father.

Ireland U21 only — gaining senior European experience.

Solid defender Bafana could use now.

[Laced Up Reports @LacedUpReport]

𝐒𝐄𝐁𝐀𝐒𝐓𝐈𝐄𝐍 𝐅𝐄𝐑𝐃𝐈𝐍𝐀𝐍𝐃

20, Right Winger/Forward

Club: Arsenal U21 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

2025/26: ~13 apps in PL2, 3 goals, 1 assist.

Dynamic and clinical.
English-born with South African mother.

Arsenal first-team training — exciting attacker with huge potential.

[Laced Up Reports @LacedUpReport]

🚨𝐑𝐔𝐋𝐀𝐍𝐈 𝐓𝐎 𝐀𝐋-𝐈𝐓𝐓𝐈𝐇𝐀𝐃!

Understand that Rulani Mokwena has now signed with Al-Ittihad Tripoli as their new head coach on a two-and-a-half-year contract, following his mutual consent departure from MC Alger earlier this week. The South African tactician's move to the Libyan giants comes after a period of intense speculation and negotiations, with the club having pursued him aggressively since parting ways with Tunisian coach Khaled Ben Yahia last month. Al-Ittihad had interim national coach Moaz Aboud in temporary charge, but Mokwena was identified as the long-term fit for their ambitious project, a pursuit that dates back to his time at Wydad AC.

Sources close to the deal confirm that Mokwena will reunite with former players Thembinkosi Lorch and Stephen Aziz Ki at Al-Ittihad, adding a layer of familiarity to the squad. The contract is reportedly worth around €75,000 (approximately R1.4 million) per month, a figure that aligns with the lucrative offer he initially rebuffed while at MC Alger just days before his exit. Despite earlier reports of him committing to stay in Algeria after assurances from MC Alger's president and a strong league position, the situation evolved rapidly amid internal pressures, including recent poor results like the Coupe d'Algerie quarterfinal loss to CR Belouizdad and elimination from the CAF Champions League.

Mokwena's eight-month tenure at MC Alger saw highs like winning the Algerian Super Cup in January 2026 with a 1-0 derby win over USM Alger, and leading the Ligue Professionnelle 1 table by six points at one stage. However, a winless run in the last four games, transfer frustrations, and reported disciplinary issues contributed to the mutual parting. Mokwena himself described the decision to leave as "the most difficult thing I’ve ever had to do," signaling the emotional weight of the move.

At Al-Ittihad, the club expects Mokwena to elevate performance and compete for titles in the Libyan Premier League, where they aim to build a competitive side around South African talent. No immediate details on his backroom staff or debut date, but the appointment is seen as a fresh chapter after his stints at Mamelodi Sundowns (multiple titles), Orlando Pirates, Wydad AC, and MC Alger. Expect further updates on his integration soon. Deal done—confirmed. ✅

[Laced Up Reports @LacedUpReport]

🚨 𝐌𝐎𝐊𝐖𝐄𝐍𝐀 𝐋𝐄𝐀𝐕𝐄𝐒 𝐌𝐂 𝐀𝐋𝐆𝐄𝐑

Understand that Rulani Mokwena has parted ways with MC Alger by mutual consent, with the club confirming his departure as head coach. The South African tactician's stint with the Algerian giants, which began in July 2025 on a two-year deal, has now come to an end after eight months in charge—despite a strong start that saw him lift the Algerian Super Cup in January 2026 with a 1-0 victory over USM Alger in the Algiers derby.

Sources indicate the decision follows a challenging period as tensions have rises with the powers higher up. Although the South African has seen much success in the league this season, their have said to be disputes due to the elimination from the CAF Champions League group stage at the hands of his former club Mamelodi Sundowns in February, and a quarterfinal exit from the Coupe d'Algerie against Sead Ramovic's CR Belouizdad earlier this month. While MC Alger remain top of the Ligue Professionnelle 1 table—six points clear after a 2-0 win over Paradou AC yesterday, with games in hand—the pressure from recent winless runs and internal issues, including transfer frustrations and reported disciplinary matters, appears to have played a role.

Mokwena, who previously guided Mamelodi Sundowns to multiple titles and had a brief spell at Wydad AC, rebuffed a lucrative €75,000-per-month offer from Libya's Al-Ittihad just days ago, but the situation at MCA shifted rapidly.

It is said, Mokwena is also being targeted by Kaizer Chiefs, who are eager to get back to winning ways.

No immediate details on compensation or his next move, but expect updates soon. It's over—confirmed. ✅