Helman Mkhalele: AFCON campaign could make World Cup a unique challenge for Bafana

His remarks come at a pivotal moment for the national side, which has now turned its full attention to the continental showpiece following the conclusion of the World Cup group-stage draw.

South Africa will kick off their AFCON campaign against Angola on 22 December, aiming to improve on their impressive third-place finish in the previous edition.

That run ended in heartbreak when Bafana were eliminated by Nigeria on penalties after a 1-1 draw in the semi-finals.

Mkhalele noted that the squad feels a sense of relief now that planning for the tournament can proceed without distraction, even as they begin to keep one eye on the demands of the next World Cup cycle.

The World Cup draw placed Bafana in Group A alongside hosts Mexico and South Korea, as well as one of Denmark, the Republic of Ireland, North Macedonia, or the Czech Republic. The final team will be confirmed through the UEFA play-offs in March.

The World Cup gets underway on June 11 next year.

"With the draw done and dusted, we can fully focus on our preparations for the AFCON," said Mkhalele.

"Prior to the draw, we were full of anxiety because we didn't know who we would be playing against because this tournament will be so different from other World Cups. It's played in different locations with different altitudes.

"Knowing where we are playing makes it easier for us, as even though we are fully focused on the AFCON, we can start looking into a few things that we can do in preparation for the World Cup.

"With the planning of CAF playing the AFCON so close to the World Cup, on one hand it's good, and on the other it's a disadvantage for us, especially in this new format where you have 48 teams playing in different altitudes. It's difficult for African teams to plan."