Broos confident as Bafana Bafana prepare for crucial World Cup Qualifiers
Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos remains confident in his squad’s ability to secure qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, despite the recent deduction of three points that has slightly altered the team’s path.
Securing a victory over the Warriors will be vital for Bafana, as it would build momentum ahead of their final World Cup qualifier against Rwanda next Tuesday. Speaking ahead of Friday’s crucial qualifier, Broos emphasized the magnitude of the upcoming fixtures, describing them as “historical” for South African football.
“The next games are historical. Everybody knows that it’s 24 years ago that South Africa could qualify for the World Cup. Our situation is a little bit changed because of the deduction of three points but that’s the only change. Even with three points ahead, we had to win our two last games to be mathematically sure to qualify.”
Broos noted that while the group remains tight, the focus is firmly on Friday’s clash, which could prove decisive in determining South Africa’s qualification hopes. “That is not a change for us and certainly look at the next games, there are four teams involved. It’s impossible that four teams can win their two matches, it is impossible. So therefore, the game on Friday is the most important. If we can win that game, we have seventeen points.”
Despite the points setback, the Belgian tactician remains firm in the team’s quality and spirit. “There are no doubts, there have never been doubts from my side and I will try to transfer that to the group tomorrow at the meeting we have like always. I believe in that group and I’m sure that on Friday they will do everything to win that game,” he added.
Broos also highlighted Bafana’s consistency in recent campaigns, pointing to their strong displays during the AFCON qualifiers as evidence of the team’s progress and potential. “If we see the performances in the past eight games in AFCON Qualifiers, I think if there is a team who deserves to go to the World Cup, it is South Africa.”
Bafana Bafana will continue their World Cup qualifying campaign with the clash against Zimbabwe at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Friday before wrapping up the campaign against Rwanda next week Tuesday.