Hugo Broos Urges South Africans to Keep Faith Ahead of Crucial Rwanda Clash

Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has called on South Africans to keep believing in the national team as they prepare for their final 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Rwanda this evening at Mbombela Stadium.

Addressing the media in Nelspruit on Monday, Broos admitted that the goalless draw against Zimbabwe last Friday was a setback but said the squad has recovered and is ready to respond. The Belgian tactician appeared composed yet determined as he outlined his expectations for the decisive encounter.

“Like the captain already said, we needed some time after the game on Friday to recover,” Broos said. “We didn’t expect to lose points against Zimbabwe, but at the same time, we knew it would be a tough and difficult game against a very motivated team of Zimbabwe.”

According to Broos, the team’s mood improved significantly after the weekend’s recovery sessions. “We had a light session on Saturday evening, and the atmosphere was totally different from 24 hours before. What I saw in training yesterday gave me confidence again that the players will be ready for the game tomorrow,” he explained.

Broos said he was impressed by the energy and commitment displayed by his players in training, adding that their focus is now firmly on executing their plan effectively against Rwanda.

The coach stressed that Bafana must concentrate on their own game rather than worrying about results elsewhere. “It’s a game that we have to focus only on ourselves,” he said. “We can’t change or decide what happens on the other field. If we win, we’ll have to wait and see, but I believe the things we all wanted and dreamed of can happen tomorrow. We are ready for it.”

Bafana currently sit second in Group C, two points behind leaders Benin. They must beat Rwanda and hope Nigeria defeat Benin to stay in contention for qualification.

Responding to criticism after the Zimbabwe draw, Broos defended his team’s display, saying they lacked only a finishing touch. “Whatever you say about the game against Zimbabwe, it was not a bad game from our side. We just needed a little bit of luck, and if that luck had been on our side, we would have won,” he said.

He pointed to Benin’s recent victory over Rwanda as an example of football’s unpredictability. “If you see the goal Benin scored, Rwanda was the better team but then suddenly a long kick from the goalkeeper, a misunderstanding, a mistake from the Rwanda keeper – and Benin score. That’s football,” Broos added.

The 73-year-old coach also urged South Africans to avoid negativity and instead rally behind the team. “This is not the moment to start doubting ourselves or questioning the team. We have to support the players because I’m sure we will be ready tomorrow,” he said.

He emphasised that while qualification is not entirely in their hands, belief and hard work could still produce the desired result. “We’re ready to win the game, but we also know it might not be enough. So, let’s hope the football gods are with us and that we get the result everyone hopes for in Nigeria – that Benin lose the game.”

With kick-off set for 18:00, Bafana Bafana will need both composure and precision to overcome Rwanda and keep their World Cup dream alive. Broos remains optimistic, confident that his players will rise to the challenge and give the home fans a performance to be proud of.