Owen Da Gama, the former head coach of Bafana Bafana, has delivered a blunt verdict on South Africa's FIFA World Cup 2026 preparations, saying the team are too afraid to test themselves against stronger opposition.

Speaking to KickOff, Da Gama did not hold back his frustration over the quality of South Africa's recent friendly opponents, particularly a home fixture against Nicaragua — a side ranked 131st in the world.

"I'm very disappointed, not only in Nicaragua but for the fact that we played against a national team that is 131st in the world, playing them at home — for me that is very, very poor preparation," Da Gama said.

South Africa are placed in a group alongside South Korea, Czech Republic, and Mexico at the FIFA World Cup 2026, all of whom are ranked above them. Da Gama argued that the choice of opponents — Panama and Nicaragua — does little to ready the squad for that level of competition.

"You playing Panama, then you playing Nicaragua — for me that is very terrible preparation. I think we just want to keep our record that we are unbeaten and those type of things. To me that is very, very poor," he added.

Brazil comparison and the cost of quality

Da Gama drew on his own coaching experience to make his case. He recalled how, ahead of the Olympics with the Under-23 side, South Africa faced Brazil and Japan away — losing both — but arrived at the tournament properly prepared, going on to draw with Brazil in the opening game despite finishing with 10 men after Mothobi received a red card.

He suggested the same philosophy must apply at the FIFA World Cup 2026, and hinted that finances may be a barrier to securing top-quality opposition. According to Da Gama, a proposed match against Brazil fell through because the South African Football Association was unwilling or unable to meet a reported R5 million fee.

"I think we are scared of playing bigger countries. I don't know if it's about money — I understand we were supposed to play Brazil and they wanted R5 million — but the government must assist wherever they can," he said.

Travel disruption adds to the chaos

South Africa's pre-tournament camp has also been hit by logistical setbacks. A visa crisis disrupted the squad's movement, and on 31 May 2026 their scheduled charter flight to Mexico was cancelled, throwing travel plans into disarray.

Despite his damning assessment, Da Gama insisted he remains fully behind the team heading into the tournament.

"I'm praying that we do okay in the World Cup, but I don't see a light at the end of the tunnel. I'm being honest with you. I will still support Bafana Bafana 100%, but for me preparations are the most important thing. Our preparations have been terrible, very, very poor," he said.