Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos has urged South Africans to shift their focus away from pointing fingers and instead rally behind the national team as they prepare for their final two Group C 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
FIFA Punishment Hits Hard
This week, FIFA confirmed that South Africa had been docked points for fielding an ineligible player, Teboho Mokoena, during their March 21 clash with Lesotho.
Mokoena, who should have been suspended after receiving two yellow cards earlier in the qualifying campaign, played in the match, which Bafana originally won 2-0. FIFA overturned the result, awarding Lesotho a 3-0 victory.
As a result, Bafana slipped to second place in Group C with 14 points – level with leaders Benin but trailing on goal difference. With only the group winners guaranteed a spot at the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico, the setback has significantly raised the stakes.
No Blame Game from Hugo Broos
Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie has already promised a “thorough investigation into the incompetence” behind the costly oversight. But Broos believes energy should be directed toward the crucial fixtures ahead rather than scapegoating individuals.
“People have to stop looking at who is responsible. We all know we made mistakes,” said Broos.
He explained that the long gap between Mokoena’s yellow cards – stretching across AFCON qualifiers, the AFCON finals, and World Cup qualifiers – created confusion. Still, he acknowledged that responsibility was shared across multiple levels.
“I am responsible. I am the coach, I should have known. My technical staff are responsible, they didn’t tell me. The team manager is responsible, the player is responsible, and the Safa administration is responsible,” Broos admitted.
Focus Shifts to Final Two Games
Despite the setback, Bafana’s qualifying path remains in their hands, and their schedule appears more favorable than Benin’s.
South Africa will face Zimbabwe on October 10 at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban (despite it being a designated away fixture), before hosting Rwanda at Mbombela Stadium four days later.
Benin, by contrast, have tougher away trips to Rwanda and Nigeria.
“We will do everything we can with 100 percent to win these two games,” Broos said. “For me, there is now extra motivation, and I will put that in the players’ heads. There is only one goal difference. Maybe after the first game we are already in front.”
Bafana Squad for Final Push
Goalkeepers: Ronwen Williams, Ricardo Goss, Sipho Chaine
Defenders: Malibongwe Khoza, Khuliso Mudau, Aubrey Modiba, Khulumani Ndamane, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Thabang Matuludi, Samukelo Kabini, Nkosinathi Sibisi
Midfielders: Teboho Mokoena, Sphephelo Sithole, Bathusi Aubaas, Thalente Mbatha
Forwards: Thapelo Morena, Oswin Appollis, Sipho Mbule, Iqraam Rayners, Lyle Foster, Tshepang Moremi, Mohau Nkota, Relebohile Mofokeng
Related article: FIFA Strips Bafana Bafana of 3 Points Over Teboho Mokoena Ineligibility
