South Africa coach Hugo Broos expressed frustration after footage from Bafana Bafana’s closed-door training match against Jamaica surfaced online, but he believes it is unlikely to provide Mexico with any meaningful advantage ahead of Thursday’s World Cup opener in Mexico City.

Bafana played out a 1-1 draw with the Caribbean side on Saturday in a non-official fixture that does not count towards international appearances.

The source of the leak remains unclear, although Broos suggested the impact of the footage would be minimal.

“I was surprised to see highlights of the game circulating on social media,” Broos said. “I have no idea how those people managed to get into the stadium. Of course, it could be useful for Mexico to see how we played and what we did in that match.

“However, it is not something that concerns me. The Mexico coach does not need footage from the Jamaica game to understand our team — he probably already knows plenty about us. Likewise, I know enough about Mexico because I have watched several of their recent matches.”

Broos once again voiced concerns over his side’s display but suggested the effects of altitude and travel fatigue were still impacting the players.

“Perhaps we need a few more days to fully adjust to the altitude,” he said. “I noticed some players were unable to sustain the intensity they normally would, and I believe the high altitude played a significant role in that.”

Despite those challenges, the South Africa coach remains confident his team will be ready when the tournament begins.

“I am convinced that by Thursday we will be fully prepared. We knew we had to arrive well in advance because adapting to the conditions is crucial, and we also have to be careful with our workload in training.”

Broos believes Bafana Bafana have a clear tactical approach for their opening match against Mexico, with the focus now on refining the finer details.

“We know how we want to play against Mexico. We understand what is required both when they have possession and when we have the ball. The final adjustments will be made during our next two training sessions. Everything we do is geared towards this match.”

The veteran coach also praised the quality of the host nation, warning that his side must deliver a top-level performance to earn a positive result.

“Mexico have quality throughout the team. Their players are dangerous, they move well, and they work hard for one another. You can see their ambition and the belief they have in themselves. They play with real purpose, and we will need to perform at our highest level if we want to compete with them. They are a very complete side.”

Hugo Broos believes his players should embrace the occasion of playing in the tournament’s opening match, especially with a passionate home crowd expected to create a hostile atmosphere.

“It will be a special and fantastic experience because my players have never been in that kind of situation,” he said. “It is very important that we stick to our game plan and do not get distracted by what is happening in the stands.”

“We have felt the support of South Africans back home, and that is what we must keep in mind on Thursday when the match begins — all those people who believe in us at this moment.”

For Broos, the fixture carries added emotional significance, as he featured in the opening game of the 1986 World Cup for Belgium, also against Mexico and at the same venue.

“It was a fantastic experience, something I will never forget from 40 years ago when we played Mexico in the opening match. That was when I truly understood how special the World Cup is,” he said.

“I was very happy as a player — motivated and excited. Now, 40 years later, I am back here again, preparing for another opening game against Mexico at the Azteca Stadium. It is incredible that it has happened again. I am just as excited now.”

When asked about suggestions that South Africa are regarded as the weakest side in Group A — which also features the Czech Republic and South Korea — Hugo Broos said he was comfortable with his team being underestimated.

“I am very happy that they think we are the weakest team,” he said.