A South Africa legend looks ahead to World Cup opener | OneFootball

Just a few days after RB Leipzig’s first post-season tour of South Africa, the football world is turning its attention back to Bafana Bafana. At 21:00 CEST this evening, South Africa take on hosts Mexico in the opening game of the 2026 World Cup.

This fixture still carries the memory of 2010: Siphiwe Tshabalala’s stunning opener, the roar that followed and the unmistakable sound of vuvuzelas. Tonight, South Africa and Mexico meet again in a World Cup curtain-raiser, this time on Mexican soil. How has South African football moved on since then? Few people are better placed to assess that than former Bundesliga striker Delron Buckley.

“You could see how much they loved it”

For Delron Buckley, RB Leipzig’s trip was about more than an end-of-season friendly. It was a genuine cultural exchange. “The dancing, the culture, the whole experience – you could see how much the players loved being here,” said Buckley. “The people here are so nice. It’s a different mentality, everyone is very friendly. Friendlies like this in other countries open the players’ eyes.”

The full matchday experience also stayed with him, especially the mix of football, entertainment and South African energy. Car-spinning icon Sam Sam put on a spectacular drifting show at half time, giving the former striker a highlight he does not normally see in South African league football.

“We don’t usually have things like that here,” he explained. “If we had that kind of atmosphere and entertainment at every league game, even more people would want to come to the stadium. I was really impressed by what was on show.”

Where South Africa still need to improve

Under head coach Hugo Broos, South Africa have built a new generation. A number of young players have forced their way into the spotlight, while experienced figures remain key to the side.

One of the most important names is Teboho Mokoena. For Buckley, the Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder will be crucial. “He’s a top player in midfield and can lead the team.”

For Buckley, the biggest question mark remains in attack. Lyle Foster gives South Africa a Premier League striker in the squad, but Buckley believes the lack of natural goalscorers is a wider issue in the country. “In my day, we really good strikers, players like Benni McCarthy – he was a goalscorer.” That classic finisher is harder to find now. “It’s one of our biggest problems in South Africa.”

Mexico now await in the opening game – an opponent with home advantage and plenty of firepower. Buckley knows Bafana Bafana are in for a serious test: “Mexico are used to playing at that altitude and in that climate. It’s different for South African players. But I’ve got my fingers crossed that they can get something.”

The handshake with Zidane

Delron knows from experience what a World Cup means to South Africa. “For a South African, there is nothing bigger in football than playing for your country at a World Cup. That automatically makes you a legend.”

His most memorable moment came at the 1998 World Cup in France. “I can still say today that I shook Zidane’s hand after the game. That was a real highlight for me. He was a world-class player.”

RB Leipzig fans have plenty of reasons to keep an eye on this World Cup too. South Africa now have a special connection with the club after the tour, while several RB Leipzig players will also be taking to the biggest stage.

The Red Bulls’ tour was a taste of what football does best: bringing cultures together, creating stories and leaving a lasting impression.

Or, as the tour motto put it: RE KAOFELA – all together.

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