South Africa’s return to the FIFA World Cup after a 16-year absence began with a disappointing 2-0 defeat against co-host Mexico. Winger Thapelo Maseko acknowledged the team’s need to overcome this setback and regain momentum. He emphasized the importance of drawing inspiration from their successful campaign at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations. The team is now focused on their upcoming match against the Czech Republic as an opportunity to address criticisms and improve their performance. Maseko’s comments suggest a determination to shift the narrative following the opening loss. The South African squad hopes to recapture the form that led them to success in the Africa Cup of Nations tournament. A win against the Czech Republic would be a crucial step towards progressing in the competition.