Zwane, Modiba & Mokoena Curate Pre-Match Pl…

Bafana Bafana players Themba Zwane, Teboho Mokoena, and Aubrey Modiba have provided football fans with access to the music that fuels their routines and performances through Apple Music’s “The Warm Up” playlist series.

Check it out! 

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The story

With Bafana Bafana hard at work in continuing their preparations for next week’s 2026 FIFA World Cup opener against Mexico, three experienced campaigners are giving fans a rare insight into the soundtrack behind their success.

Themba Zwane, Teboho Mokoena and Aubrey Modiba have teamed up with Apple Music for its popular “The Warm Up” playlist series, offering supporters a personal look at the music that helps shape their mindset before stepping onto the pitch.

Designed to explore the relationship between music and elite performance, the initiative sees each player curate a dedicated playlist featuring the tracks that fuel their focus, confidence and dressing-room energy before kick-off.

Blending football and music culture, the playlists reveal how some of Bafana Bafana’s biggest stars use sound to manage pressure, maintain emotional balance and prepare mentally for the demands of performing at the highest level.

The carefully selected tracks span genres including Amapiano, Afrobeats, Afro-Pop and Hip-Hop, showcasing the diverse musical tastes of the Mamelodi Sundowns trio. Artists such as Kabza De Small, Sjava, Dave, Tems, AKA and Zee Nxumalo feature prominently, with each song carrying a personal meaning tied to moments of reflection, motivation and composure.

For Aubrey Modiba, music serves as a calming presence rather than a source of adrenaline.

“For me, music is more about controlling my nerves than getting hyped,” says Aubrey Modiba. “Before games, there’s always pressure and expectation. Music helps me stay relaxed and not overthink things before kick-off.”

One of Modiba’s go-to tracks is “Baby Girl” by Cassper Nyovest, a song he turns to when he wants to escape the intensity of football.

“This is one of those chilled songs that takes my mind away from football a bit,” he says. “It reminds me of family, love, and the people waiting for you at home after all the noise from the game.”

Zwane shares a similar outlook, viewing music as an opportunity to slow down and reconnect with what matters before entering high-pressure environments.

“It’s not always about getting hyped. Sometimes it’s about reflection, gratitude, and reminding yourself why you play the game,” he explains.

For the Bafana Bafana and Sundowns mercurial baller, “Abangani” by Sjava featuring Emtee and Saudi remains one of the most meaningful tracks on his playlist.

“I like how this song talks about friendships, loyalty, and fake love. As you grow in life and football, you learn that not everybody around you has good intentions. It reminds me to stay close to the genuine people,” added Mshishi.

Meanwhile, Mokoena believes music has the ability to completely transform his emotional state on matchday.

“Some days you need calmness, other days you need fire,” he says. “The right song can completely change your energy when walking into a stadium,” added Mrembula.

One track that consistently resonates with the midfield star is “Imithandazo” by Kabza De Small featuring Young Stunna, DJ Maphorisa and Sizwe Alakine.

“‘Imithandazo” is powerful because it speaks about prayer, pressure, and surviving difficult moments,” says Mokoena. “Football tests you mentally all the time, so I connect with that message deeply. It reminds me to stay grounded no matter how big the stage is,” added Mokoena.

As anticipation builds ahead of Bafana Bafana’s return to football’s biggest stage, the playlists offer supporters a unique glimpse into the personal rituals and motivations of three players expected to play key roles in South Africa’s World Cup campaign.

Beyond the goals, tackles and trophies, “The Warm Up” highlights another side of modern footballers — one where music, emotion and mindset are just as important as what happens on the pitch.

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