Hugo Broos Focused on Winning Against Rwanda to Keep World Cup Hopes Alive

Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos knows that victory on Tuesday against Rwanda is the only way to keep South Africa’s 2026 World Cup hopes alive. After missing out on qualification with Cameroon in 2018, Broos is acutely aware of the fine margins that now define his team’s destiny.

Three points were deducted earlier for fielding an ineligible Teboho Mokoena, and Friday’s draw against Zimbabwe further complicated Bafana’s campaign. With no play-off option available, the team can only qualify as Group C winners. This means a win over Rwanda and a Nigeria victory over Benin are essential.

Broos acknowledges the limits of control. “We can’t decide on whatever happens on the other field in Nigeria, so if we win, we have to wait and see, but I think that the things that we all want, we are ready for it,” he said.

The Belgian coach described the situation as unusual and challenging. “This is a situation that I have to take very hard because I don’t think I have ever been in a situation like that in my whole career. It is a strange situation as well because even when you win the game, you are not sure. Sometimes it is difficult to have a good reaction in such a situation because even when you know what you have to do, you are still not sure that you have achieved your goal. But again, it is what it is.”

Broos emphasised the need for a strong performance above all else. “I should be very bitter if tomorrow we don’t do what we have to do—that is, having a good performance. Not winning the game and seeing that Benin is not winning the game either in Nigeria, that should be the worst scenario we can imagine. So, this is something we have to avoid. We have to try that after the game, we did everything and did everything right, and that is we win the game. And then if that is against us, we will not be qualified. It is what it is, and you can talk about it for one hour, and it will not change.”

On tactical approach, Broos warned against overcommitting in attack. “We will do everything to win the game, and I don’t think we have to play to score as much goals as possible because that can be very dangerous against the opponent of tomorrow. They are very dangerous in transition, so if you are going to attack blind and not taking in your mind that what happens when we lose the ball, we should have many problems. Let us first win the game and then see if it is possible to win it with as much goals as possible. But the most important tomorrow is to win and then we will see,” he said.

With the match set to kick off at Mbombela Stadium, Broos has prepared his squad to stay focused, disciplined, and ready to seize the one opportunity that could keep Bafana Bafana in World Cup contention.