According to GOAL, Speaking ahead of the global showpiece, the retired centre-back expressed belief that Hugo Broos’ side are well equipped to make history by progressing beyond the group phase for the first time.
Despite South Africa’s past failures to advance past the opening round in previous World Cup appearances, Gould remains convinced that this generation can rewrite that record.
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Addressing the media during the Honor and Adidas Football Friday activation, he voiced strong confidence in the team’s ability to rise to the occasion and challenge expectations.
“I don’t want to speak about whether we are going to do it,” Gould said.
“We are going into the next round.
“We have a capable team to take us to the next round, stay as the underdogs and come out victorious.”
Bafana Bafana have been drawn into a difficult Group A alongside hosts Mexico, the Czech Republic and South Korea, but Gould believes Broos’ squad has enough quality to navigate the challenge.
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“We are definitely going into the next round,” Gould added.
“I even see us going as far as the last 16, and anything from there will be gold for us.
“Bafana have done well in the past few years, and for them to cap it off with 16th place will be great.”
He further stressed that the objective should be to secure one of the automatic qualification spots by finishing in the top two.
“We are definitely going there with the mindset of finishing in the top two.
“We trust the guys, everyone who is there.
“We are not looking at finishing third; we are going to give everything we have, and the worst-case scenario is finishing second, and that will be a great achievement for us.”
Photo: Lefty Shivambu/Gallo Images
