"We are ready to win," says Hugo Broos ahead of crucial World Cup qualifier

"We are ready to win," says Hugo Broos ahead of crucial World Cup qualifier

South Africa's chances of qualifying for the finals in the United States, Canada and Mexico next year were taken out of their hands following the goalless draw with Zimbabwe last time out, as Benin beat Rwanda 1-0.

Broos' side now need to beat Rwanda and hope Nigeria beat Benin in their final game, to secure their World Cup place.

The national team boss said the draw had a big impact on his players but they are fully focused to record a result at the Mbombela Stadium.

"We needed some time after the game on Friday to recover, we didn't expect to lose points against Zimbabwe, though we knew it would be tough," said Broos in the Citizen.

"Already on Saturday afternoon I felt like things were changing in the camp. We had a light training session on Saturday evening and the atmosphere was totally different to 24 hours earlier.

"What I saw yesterday (on Sunday) gives me confidence the players are ready for the game tomorrow. We have to focus only on ourselves.

"We can't change or decide what happens on the other field in Nigeria. If we win, we have to wait and see. But I think all the things we want and have dreamed of can happen tomorrow.

"We are ready to play a good game, ready to win, but we all know that could not be enough. So let's hope on the other side the Gods are with us and we see the result everyone hopes for in Nigeria – that Benin lose the game."

Related News

World Cup qualifiers: Senegal, Cote d'Ivoire book spots in 2026 global showpiece

World Cup qualifiers: Senegal, Cote d'Ivoire book spots in 2026 global showpiece

  • 17 minutes ago

Senegal and Cote d'Ivoire confirmed their qualification for the 2026 World Cup in CAF qualifying action on Tuesday night, while Nigeria, Gabon and DR Congo will battle it out in the playoffs for a spot at the global showpiece.

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

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

  • 2 hours ago

Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos was left beaming after guiding his team to the 2026 World Cup finals.

Themba Zwane: Bafana have brought joy to South Africa

Themba Zwane: Bafana have brought joy to South Africa

  • 1 hour ago

Themba Zwane says Bafana have brought happiness to South Africa with their qualification to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

World Cup qualifiers: How Bafana Bafana rose above the chaos to qualify

World Cup qualifiers: How Bafana Bafana rose above the chaos to qualify

  • 3 hours ago

South Africa secured qualification to the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Tuesday after a controversial qualifying campaign under the leadership of coach Hugo Broos.