THE entire country is rallying behind Bafana Bafana to qualify for the quadrennial global tournament to be held in 2026.
Last time the national team qualified for the WC was in 2010 as the host country.
So, cometh the hour, cometh the moment as Bafana face two important fixtures, starting today with Lesotho in Bloemfontein and Nigeria next Tuesday.
Currently leading the Group C with clear five points, the Hugo Broos troops would not allow our neighbours to spoil the party at this stage.
In assembling his squad, coach Broos included youngstersMduduzi Shabalala, Mohau Nkota, and Mbekezeli Mbokazi, that also features the on-song Relebohile “Rele” Mofokeng.
Core players Themba Zwane, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Grant Kekana, Khuliso Mudau and Elias Mokwana, will not feature due to either injury or lack of playing time at their respective clubs.
“You know what changed with Bafana Bafana from two years ago is that now we have options,” said Broos during media briefing at the pre-match press conference on Thursday.
“I think when such things happen, that so many players are not here because of injuries or not playing at their clubs, we would be in big trouble.
“This is not the case anymore now. We have players, and you can discuss which one is a little better than the other, but I am not afraid. I am not afraid because those players are not there.
“I saw what I saw at training with those young guys. They are so motivated and they give 100 percent,” the Belgian born coach was quoted.
The game kicks off at 6pm, at Free State Stadium on Friday (this evening) 05 September.
Still in Bloem, Bafana Bafana will face nemesis Nigeria next Tuesday at the same venue.
Two more WC fixtures will take place in October for South Africa.
Image (Plotting Lesotho’s downfall. Two of Bafana Bafana youngsters Rele Mofokeng and Mduduzi Shabalala, recorded at training in Bloem).
