Bafana Bafana Head Coach Hugo Broos was overcome with emotion and pride after successfully steering the South African national team to qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The veteran coach, who has hinted that the World Cup will mark the end of his coaching career, was beaming with optimism for the future of the team.
Qualification Secured in Style
South Africa clinched their spot at the finals in the United States, Canada, and Mexico next year with a comprehensive 3-0 victory over Rwanda at the Mbombela Stadium. Crucially, the result was aided by the necessary favor from Nigeria, who defeated previous group leaders Benin 4-0 in their fixture.
Read: Coach Hugo Broos reveals how he transformed Bafana Bafana
Bafana Bafana wasted no time stamping their authority on the match, clearly demonstrating their belief:
5th Minute: Thalente Mbatha opened the scoring early, seizing the initiative.
26th Minute: Oswin Appollis added a second, putting Bafana firmly in the driving seat before halftime.
72nd Minute: Evidence Makgopa sealed the win with the third goal, ensuring the three points and the crucial goal difference advantage.
The victory propelled Bafana Bafana to top spot in Group C with 18 points, ahead of Nigeria (17 points) and Benin (17 points).
A Poetic End
Reflecting after the game, Broos was visibly moved, saying he had “no words to express” his emotions, particularly given the timing of the achievement.
“It feels wonderful. We all knew we could do it, we believed in ourselves, you saw that from the beginning of the [Rwanda] game,” Broos told SABC. “Nigeria did what they had to do [beat Benin] and we did what we had to do so we go to the World Cup.”
The qualification holds deeply personal significance for the coach, who previously attended the World Cup as a player for Belgium in 1986.
“The end of my career as a player was at the World Cup, and now I will end my career as a coach at the World Cup. What is more fantastic? Let’s enjoy it,” he added.
Focus on Talent and Mentality
Broos credited the team’s success not to age or individual star power, but to the collective mindset he has instilled over the past three years.
“Age doesn’t matter, it is about talent and mentality. That makes a good team and I think we have done that in the last three years.”
Looking ahead, Broos confirmed the trajectory for the newly qualified side is positive: “I think the future is very bright for South African football. So let’s do a good AFCON in December and then go to America,” the coach beamed.
Prior to heading to the World Cup, Broos’s history-making team will participate in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, which kicks off in December in Morocco.