Hugo Broos Warns of Lesotho Threat Ahead of World Cup Qualifier

Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos has cautioned his players against underestimating Lesotho ahead of their crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier on Friday. Despite South Africa being favorites on paper, Broos emphasized that Lesotho’s fighting spirit makes them a dangerous opponent.

Broos Urges Caution Against Lesotho

With South Africa ranked 57th in the world and Lesotho sitting at 149th, many expect Bafana to cruise to victory in Polokwane. However, Broos is not buying into the rankings and stressed that his team must remain focused to avoid a potential upset.

“It becomes a habit here in Africa that you’re never sure about a victory before the game,” Broos said in a press conference. “We saw it yesterday: Cameroon against Eswatini, 0-0. Tomorrow we have an opponent that we don’t have to underestimate because they played in September against Morocco and lost 1-0 in the 93rd minute. They also played Nigeria over a year ago and held them to a 0-0 draw. That means we are in front of a tough game.”

Lesotho’s Fighting Spirit a Key Concern

Broos highlighted Lesotho’s resilience, noting that their mentality makes them a tricky opponent.

“Maybe they don’t have our technical qualities, but they have a fantastic mentality. They fight for every meter, they fight for every ball,” he warned. “It is up to us to have the same mentality, the right mindset from the beginning of the game. Even when the game is not going as expected, we must stick to our game plan.”

Broos also stressed that Bafana cannot rely on past achievements, including their impressive AFCON qualification and bronze medal performance.

“That is all history now. We don’t have to count on gifts from other teams. We have to do it ourselves starting with tomorrow.”

A Crucial Test for Bafana Bafana

South Africa currently sits on seven points in Group C, just two ahead of Lesotho, making this encounter vital for both teams. A win would give Bafana a significant boost before they face Benin on March 25 in Ivory Coast.

“We have to keep ourselves in the same position that we are now. With three points tomorrow, we can go to Benin for another three points,” Broos concluded.

As the World Cup qualifiers intensify, Broos and his players will look to avoid any complacency and secure a crucial victory against a determined Lesotho side.