Hugo Broos Says Fifa Sanction Only Motivates Bafana Bafana Ahead of World Cup Qualifiers

Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos says FIFA’s recent sanction has strengthened his squad’s determination to secure a spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. South Africa face crucial qualifiers against Zimbabwe on October 10 and Rwanda on October 14, with their World Cup hopes hanging in the balance.

The sanction stems from the unlawful fielding of Teboho Mokoena in a March World Cup qualifier against Lesotho. FIFA awarded a 3-0 forfeit defeat to Bafana, a ruling that dropped South Africa to second place in their qualifying group behind Benin. The setback means Broos’ men now require at least one win from the final two fixtures to remain in contention for the tournament in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

Speaking on SABC Sport during the announcement of his 23-man squad, Broos acknowledged the error but insisted it will not affect the team’s focus. “People need to stop looking for who is responsible. We all know that we made a mistake,” he said.

Broos took responsibility as head coach but noted that the mistake involved multiple parties. “I am responsible because I had to know that this guy had two yellow cards. My technical staff is responsible because they didn’t tell me. The team manager is responsible because he didn’t follow up. The player is responsible because he didn’t say anything, and the SAFA administration is responsible. Stop with it! Just focus on the two games remaining and support us.”

Despite the setback, Broos insists the sanction has only increased the team’s motivation. “It’s an extra motivation. We will fight like lions,” he declared.

South Africa’s next challenge is against Zimbabwe at Moses Mabhida Stadium, an away match for the Warriors, followed by the tie against Rwanda at Mbombela Stadium. Both games are must-win fixtures if Bafana are to keep their World Cup ambitions alive.

Broos’ message is clear: the team is focused, determined, and ready to respond to adversity. With qualification on the line, the Belgian coach is counting on experience, discipline, and resilience from his squad to navigate the final hurdles and secure South Africa’s place at the global tournament.