Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos has declared that his side still holds the advantage in the race for 2026 World Cup qualification, ahead of Nigeria and the Benin Republic. The Belgian tactician insists South Africa can end their 26-year absence from football’s biggest stage with the right results.
Speaking ahead of the final two group fixtures, Broos was confident of his team’s ability to navigate the pressure. “Of the four teams fighting for qualification, only some can make it. We first have to beat Zimbabwe on Friday,” he said.
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“Even if Nigeria wins both remaining games, they can only reach 17 points — and that may not be enough to overtake us.”
Broos emphasized that focus and consistency remain South Africa’s keys to advancement. “It’s crucial we control our destiny. We have to take each match seriously, starting with Zimbabwe, and not leave qualification to chance,” he stated.
The coach, who led Cameroon to the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations title, praised his squad’s mentality and resilience. “We have players who understand the pressure of big games. Experience will guide us in the last two fixtures,” he said.
With stakes high for all contenders, Broos stressed the importance of discipline and teamwork. “Every match counts. This is the moment to be professional, focused, and hungry. We’ve waited 26 years for this opportunity — we cannot waste it,” he added.
Bafana Bafana fans will be watching closely as South Africa aims to convert this advantage into a historic qualification, while Nigeria and Benin seek to overturn the table in the final games.
