South Africa head coach Hugo Broos says is confident his side are fully prepared to secure maximum points against Rwanda in Tuesday’s crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier, Afrosport reports.
Bafana Bafana must win in Mbombela and hope Nigeria beat Benin Republic in the other Group C fixture to stand a chance of qualifying.
They currently sit second in the group, two points behind leaders Benin, after being held to a disappointing goalless draw with Zimbabwe last time out.
“I said in the past few days that it wasn’t a good result for us [against Zimbabwe], but we don’t have to start doubting the quality of the team at this moment,” Broos said. “We don’t have to do what some people are doing now, starting to doubt and putting everything in question.
“I don’t think that’s the right thing to do now. We have to support the team. I am sure that we’ll be ready tomorrow. We are ready to win the game, but we all know that won’t be enough. Let’s hope that the gods are with us.”
The 73-year-old Belgian revealed that the squad’s mentality and spirit have improved since Friday’s draw in Durban.
“We are back mentally and that is very important,” Broos added. “The qualities and whatever that didn’t disappear with the draw against Zimbabwe – it was mentally that we had to recover a difference. The team spirit is again there and it is amazing that everyone can focus on the job.”
Defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi is suspended after receiving a red card against Zimbabwe, and Broos said he would consult assistant coach Helman Mkhalele to decide between Malibongwe Khoza and Thabo Moloisane as his replacement.
“I have to talk with Helman Mkhalele, because it will certainly not be an easy decision to make,” he said. “We will see and make what we think will be the best decision for the team. So, let’s hope that we make the right one.
“The opponent is very dangerous in transition, so if you are going to attack blindly without thinking about what happens when we don’t have the ball, that would be dangerous. Let’s first aim to win the game and see if we can do it with as many goals as possible.”
