Watch: Bafana legends left speechless after FIFA World Cup opener defeat to Mexico

The result not only left supporters frustrated but also stunned some of the country's most celebrated football figures, with former internationals Benni McCarthy, Aaron Mokoena and Quinton Fortune struggling to find words after the final whistle.

The trio were working as pundits for SportyTV's coverage of the match when cameras captured their visibly dejected expressions and prolonged silence in the studio. The moment quickly went viral on social media, resonating with South Africans who had hoped Hugo Broos' side could make a positive start to their World Cup campaign.

Mexico took control of the contest through goals from Raul Jimenez and Julian Quinones, while South Africa's evening unravelled further as disciplinary issues compounded their problems. Bafana finished the match with nine men after red cards for Sphephelo Sithole and veteran midfielder Themba Zwane, making an already difficult task even tougher.

Broos' decision to deploy a three-man defence also came under scrutiny, with critics arguing that the tactical approach invited pressure from the hosts, who capitalised on their dominance to secure all three points.

The viral clip of Mokoena, McCarthy and Fortune sparked widespread debate online, with many fans directing their frustration towards the Belgian coach.

"If a coach lacks courage, let him go, get us a serial winning mentality coach. A big dreamer. Pitso/Benni are available as examples," one supporter wrote on social media.

Another added: "Hugo Broos should be fired after the World Cup. We are a laughing stock now."

Others shared the former players' disbelief, with one fan commenting: "I mean, we are all speechless, we thought this was a golden generation."

Despite the setback, Bafana Bafana still have an opportunity to revive their hopes of progressing from the group stage. Their next challenge comes against Czechia on June 18 at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, before they face South Korea in Monterrey, Mexico, on June 25.

Watch the clip below:

https://twitter.com/i/status/2065182976338534619