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Mark Williams Urges South Africa to Switch to 4-4-2 for Czechia Clash
Mark Williams has urged Hugo Broos to switch South Africa to a 4-4-2 formation for their World Cup Group A match against Czechia, saying the team lacked enough creativity and service in a loss to Mexico. He wants Oswin Appollis, Relebohile Mofokeng and Evidence Makgopa involved, and believes Bafana can still beat the Europeans.
Quick Facts
Who
Mark Williams
What
Mark Williams urged South Africa to play a 4-4-2 formation
When
the evening of the match
Where
Atlanta Stadium
- Mark Williams urged South Africa to play a 4-4-2 formation
- Williams criticised South Africa's 5-3-2 formation against Mexico
- Williams recommended starting Appollis, Mofokeng and Makgopa
- Williams said South Africa needed better ball supply to the strikers
- Williams predicted a South Africa win over Czechia
Bafana Bafana legend Mark Williams has called on South Africa coach Hugo Broos to abandon the side's cautious 5-3-2 setup and switch to a 4-4-2 formation for their second World Cup Group A match against Czechia. South Africa are due to face Czechia at Atlanta Stadium on Thursday evening, after a disappointing opener against co-hosts Mexico in Mexico City.
Williams said the team lacked enough service to the forwards in the first match and argued that the system left the strikers isolated. He suggested Orlando Pirates players Oswin Appollis and Relebohile Mofokeng should be included to provide better support, with Evidence Makgopa leading the line alongside Iqraam Rayners.
The former Bafana striker praised Makgopa's attitude and said his movement and team spirit could complement Rayners' pace. He also expressed confidence that South Africa can respond strongly against the Europeans, predicting a win, although he acknowledged the team has not scored heavily in recent matches.
South Africa will go into the game without Themba Zwane and Siphephelo "Yaya" Sithole, both of whom were sent off against Mexico. Williams' intervention adds to the debate over Broos' tactics as Bafana prepare for a must-win fixture in Group A.
Why This Matters
South Africa’s next match is effectively a must-win, so a formation change could directly affect their chances of staying alive in the group. For fans and analysts, Williams’ comments point to a concrete tactical debate: whether Bafana should prioritize defensive caution or add width and service to help the forwards. If Broos changes shape, it could also alter who starts and how the team manages its two-man strike options under pressure.
Timeline & Sources
Jun 12, 2026
WireSouth Africa played Mexico in their World Cup opener and used a 5-3-2 formation.
Jun 18, 2026
WireMark Williams urged South Africa to switch to a 4-4-2 formation and start Appollis, Mofokeng and Makgopa.
Jun 18, 2026
WireSouth Africa were scheduled to face Czechia in their second World Cup Group A match at Atlanta Stadium.