Bafana Bafana are set to make their long-awaited return to football’s biggest stage when they face hosts Mexico in their FIFA World Cup opener at the iconic Estadio Azteca, here is how we expect South Africa to line up.

South Africa will be eager to make a statement and begin their World Cup campaign with a positive result when they take on Mexico on Thursday evening.

The two sides will meet in the opening fixture of the global showpiece when they go head-to-head at the iconic Estadio Azteca in Mexico City.

This fixture will be a repeat of the opening match of the 2010 World Cup opener, which ended 1-1 after Rafael Márquez cancelled out Siphiwe Tshabalala’s legendary goal at Soccer City in Johannesburg.

This will be South Africa’s first appearance at the World Cup since hosting the tournament in 2010.

Bafana Bafana’s Predicted Starting XI

Ronwen Williams (captain), Khuliso Mudau, Ime Okon, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Aubrey Modiba, Teboho Mokoena, Yaya Sithole, Thalente Mbatha, Relebohile Mofokeng, Lyle Foster, Oswin Appollis.