South Africa head coach Hugo Broos insists his Bafana Bafana side are fully prepared to secure maximum points when they face Rwanda in a crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier on Tuesday night at Mbombela Stadium.
With the qualification picture in Group C delicately poised, South Africa’s destiny is no longer entirely in their hands. The team sits second in the group with eight points, two behind leaders Benin, following a disappointing goalless draw against Zimbabwe last week. To keep their hopes alive, Broos’ men must not only defeat Rwanda but also hope that Nigeria can do them a favour by beating Benin in the group’s other fixture.
Despite the setback against Zimbabwe, Broos exuded calm and confidence as he addressed the media on Monday, urging South Africans to maintain faith in the team.
“I said in the past few days that it wasn’t a good result for us against Zimbabwe, but we don’t have to start doubting the quality of the team at this moment,” Broos said, as quoted by Sowetan Live. “We don’t have to do what some people are doing now—starting to doubt and putting everything in question. I don’t think that’s the right thing to do now. We have to support the team. I am sure that we’ll be ready tomorrow. We are ready to win the game, but we all know that won’t be enough. Let’s hope that the gods are with us.”
The Belgian tactician emphasized that the squad’s mentality has improved significantly since the disappointing draw in Harare, noting that the players have responded positively during training sessions.
“We are back mentally and that is very important,” he continued. “The qualities didn’t disappear with the draw against Zimbabwe—it was mentally that we had to recover. The team spirit is again there and it is amazing that everyone can focus on the job.”
Broos will, however, have to make a key defensive adjustment after Mbekezeli Mbokazi was ruled out due to suspension. The coach revealed that he is in discussions with assistant Helman Mkhalele to decide between Malibongwe Khoza and Thabo Moloisane as a potential replacement.
“I have to talk with Helman Mkhalele because it will certainly not be an easy decision to make,” Broos said. “We will see and make what we think will be the best decision for the team. So, let’s hope that we make the right one.”
The coach also issued a tactical warning ahead of the encounter, acknowledging Rwanda’s threat on the counterattack and stressing the importance of maintaining defensive discipline.
“The opponent is very dangerous in transition,” he cautioned. “So, if you are going to attack blindly without thinking about what happens when we don’t have the ball, that would be dangerous. Let’s first aim to win the game and see if we can do it with as many goals as possible.”
South Africa will rely on key players such as Themba Zwane, Percy Tau, and Evidence Makgopa to provide the attacking spark needed to break down a disciplined Rwandan defence. Meanwhile, goalkeeper Ronwen Williams is expected to captain the side once again, bringing experience and leadership to a team under pressure to deliver.
For Bafana Bafana, the equation is clear—win against Rwanda and pray that results elsewhere go their way. With confidence, composure, and a bit of luck, Broos believes his team can take another step closer to their dream of returning to the World Cup stage for the first time since hosting the tournament in 2010.
As Broos aptly concluded, “We can only do our part. If we give everything on the pitch, then we can hold our heads high—whatever happens elsewhere.”
