"The future is bright for South Africa", says Hugo Broos after World Cup qualification

South Africa secured their place at the tournament set to take place in the United States, Canada and Mexico next year with a 3-0 win over Rwanda - as Nigeria overcame Benin 4-0.

Thalente Mbatha opened the scoring at the Mbombela Stadium after just five minutes, and Oswin Appollis added a second goal after 26 minutes to put Bafana in the driving seat.

Evidence Makgopa then sealed the win with his 72nd minute goal.

The three points lifted Bafana to top spot in Group C with 18 points, with Nigeria in second with 17 points, and Benin in third, also with 17 points.

Reflecting after the game, Broos, who is expected to retire from football after the World Cup, said he had "no words to express" how he felt.

He told SABC: "It feels wonderful. We all knew we could do it, we believed in ourselves, you saw that from the beginning of the (Rwanda) game.

"Nigeria did what they had to do (beat Benin) and we did what we had to do so we go to the World Cup."

Broos has previously attended a World Cup as a player for Belgium, in 1986.

"There are no words to express what I feel now. 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," added the Bafana boss.

“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.”

Before heading to the World Cup, Broos' team will take part in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in December.

“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.