Mashimbyi hoping for Bafana motivation

June 11, 2026 12

Proteas Women head coach, Mandla Mashimbyi, is hoping Bafana Bafana can provide the inspiration for his team ahead of their ICC Women’s T20 World Cup opener against Australia in Manchester on Saturday.

Bafana take on co-hosts Mexico in the opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Mexico City on Thursday night (kick-off 9pm SA time), with the entire nation backing them to produce an upset.

Mashimbyi says both teams find themselves in similar positions, with Bafana and the Proteas Women regarded as underdogs in their respective tournaments.

“I think we’re sitting [in] the same boat, really, because nobody’s giving Bafana Bafana a chance to cause an upset or actually get through the group stages,” Mashimbyi said.

“But I think we bring a different type of football, and it’s something that people are not accustomed to. And I really think that we might cause an upset. So I’m giving it a 1-0 win. Worst-case scenario, a draw.”

Mashimbyi believes if Bafana are able to get the job done in Mexico City, it will provide a significant boost for his team, who are chasing a third consecutive T20 World Cup final appearance.

“Yeah, I think if Bafana Bafana gets a win today and we get a win on Saturday, that would be good for our country,” he said.

“And I think if they do get a win today, it would just maybe lift the girls in some way or another.”