WeeklySA_AdminBUMPY: After the disappointing Zim outcome, Broos boys can’t afford a lapse of concentration against Rwanda as they seek to overcome a critical hurdle to World Cup 2026…
By Masoja Cele
Bafana Bafana will play their crucial final match of the 2026 World Cup Qualifier against Rwanda at the Mbombela Stadium, Nelspruit, on Tuesday. The match is scheduled to start at 6 pm.
To the disappointment of South African fans, Hugo Broos’ troops were held to a 0-0 draw by Zimbabwe in Durban, an outcome that was least expected against the Warriors.
On Tuesday against Rwanda, Bafana Bafana will have to be revitalised if they are to win the encounter. Group C leaders Benin clinched an important 1-0 victory at Rwanda increasing their chances of proceeding to the 2026 World Cup in the US, Canada, and Mexico.
South Africa must now pray that Nigeria, who beat Lesotho 2-1 on Friday, win or draw against Benin on Tuesday. By the same token, Bafana must convincingly beat Rwanda – which is possible if the squad puts their mind to it.
Benin leads the group, having notched up 17 points, followed by South Africa on 15 while Nigeria lies third with 14 points. If the Super Eagles beat Benin, they will finish at 17 points. A drawn outcome will earn them 15 points.
Anything is possible in a football match, but things can be expected to be tougher and grim against the Super Eagles in Nigeria. And so for starters, Bafana must aim for a resounding victory against Rwanda, for anything short of a convincing victory will be nothing but disaster.
Coach Broos boys are under pressure to deliver. They will, though, be best advised to maintain discipline and composure. The fixture against Rwanda is a do-or-die for them, a must win by any language is what they must have. To put it clearer: a win or bust.
The win against the Warriors will elevate them to the summit of Group C.
Bafana surrendered their lead of the group after they were docked three points for fielding an ineligible player – Teboho Mokoena – a sloppy decision if there was ever any. With injuries to Orlando Pirates forward Relebohile Mofokeng and Mamelodi Sundowns striker Iqraam Rayners, this must constitute a great set-back.
Mofokeng sustained his injury on Saturday during the Pirates’ Carling Cup match against Siwelele. Kaizer Chiefs midfield sensation Mduduzi Shabalala has replaced Mofokeng.
Meanwhile, Bucs striker Evidence Makgopa takes the place of Rayners. Saudi Arabia-based Mohau Nkotha has performed brilliantly as a wide player since his senior debut for the senior team.
Hard working Teboho Mokoena and Talent Mbatha are expected to solidify the midfield berth with aplomb. Upfront, UK- based Lyle Foster and Oswin Appollis, are expected to interrogate the opposition defence with bustling runs. Bafana will go into the battlefield without the influential defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi. He red-carded on Friday against Zimbabwe.
But Hugo Broos can count his blessings with the return of the overlapping wing-back Khuliso Mudau, who is expected to torment the Rwandese efence.
The Wasps’ new coach Adel Amrouche will trust his team to replicate their excellent performance at Mbombela Stadium. Although Rwandans are out of contention, Bafana should not dare to undermine them. They are capable of frustrating Bafana, if only to protect their reputation.
In their previous match on Friday, they went down 1-0 to Benin. The Wasps will be led by midfield and captain, Djihad Bizimana, midfield destroyer, Kevin Muhire. In goals, they rely on the agility of Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper, Fiarce Ntwa.
