Bafana Bafana Coach Hugo Broos Hails Team’s Strength After Securing Six Points in World Cup Qualifiers

Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos has praised his squad’s flexibility and depth following their impressive back-to-back victories in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, which saw them secure six points against Lesotho and Benin. Despite being without key players such as Themba Zwane, Patrick Maswanganyi, Aubrey Modiba, and Mothobi Mvala, Broos was able to make changes to his lineup without compromising the team’s performance.

The South African national team went into the qualifiers with some notable absences, yet the players who stepped in for the missing stars delivered strong performances. New faces like Fawaaz Basadien, Relebohile Mofokeng, Thalente Mbatha, Jayden Adams, and Siyabonga Ngezana were introduced into the squad and made their mark as Bafana Bafana recorded 2-0 victories in both matches.

Broos Highlights Squad Depth and Player Adaptability

In the past, the national team struggled to find the right balance, especially during Broos’ first year in charge. However, the Belgian coach believes the team has made significant strides, allowing him to rotate players while maintaining high levels of performance. “We needed some time to make that group. In the beginning, it was not easy. The first year was a lot of problems, but we went on looking for the right players in the right positions. We found them and I think now we have a very good team,” Broos said after Bafana’s win over Benin in Ivory Coast.

One of Broos’ key takeaways from the recent qualifiers is the team’s ability to seamlessly integrate new players into the squad without any drop in quality. “We can change players without the level decreasing. That means we are strong,” he added. “We have to be confident and not be afraid of anyone else who plays against us.”

The Road to World Cup Qualification

The victory over Benin gave Bafana Bafana a crucial five-point lead at the top of their qualifying group. Broos remains focused on the task at hand, urging his players to maintain their discipline as they edge closer to World Cup qualification. “We are in a good position now. If we don’t do stupid things, we are very close to qualification for the World Cup,” Broos said confidently.

However, despite the positive results, the team’s journey to qualification is not without controversy. The Teboho Mokoena saga looms over the team following his exclusion from the squad against Lesotho. It was revealed that Mokoena may have been eligible to play, as he was carrying two yellow cards from previous qualifiers, which would have made him ineligible for that match.

FIFA’s rules state that a player carrying two yellow cards from separate matches must serve a one-match suspension. This has raised the possibility of Bafana Bafana facing a points deduction, which could have implications for their standings. However, Broos remained tight-lipped on the matter, stating, “I won’t give a comment about that. We will wait and see.”

What’s Next for Bafana Bafana?

While the points deduction remains a possibility, even with the loss of points, Bafana would still be in a strong position at the top of the standings. However, with limited room for error, Broos will continue to emphasize discipline and focus as his side looks to solidify their place in the 2026 World Cup.

As the qualifiers continue, the depth and flexibility of the team will remain crucial in their pursuit of qualification, with Broos confident that the players he has at his disposal are capable of handling the challenges ahead.