Broos says winning will be more important than chasing goals

Bafana Bafana have risen from years of uncertainty into a side of rare consistency, a long-awaited sight for a nation that once ached for stability. Now, with momentum on their side, they stand on the threshold of a moment that could etch their names into history.

- OBAKENG MELETSE

On Thursday, Hugo Broos announced a 23-man squad entrusted to take on two crucial 2026 Fifa World Cup qualifiers against Zimbabwe and Rwanda over the next two weeks.

The tournament will be jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, and South Africa are looking to make their long-awaited return since they last featured on the global stage as hosts in 2010.

South Africa currently sit second in Group C, level on 14 points with leaders Benin, who edge them on goal difference heading into the final two rounds of matches that will decide qualification.

Bafana had enjoyed a seamless qualifying run until news broke that they would be docked three points for fielding an ineligible Teboho Mokoena in March’s clash against Lesotho, despite the midfielder having already accumulated two yellow cards. The sanction has introduced late nerves into what had looked like a smooth campaign.