World Cup qualifying preview: Bafana Bafana gear up for Zimbabwe test

South Africa were flying high at the top of Group C before being docked three points for fielding an illegible player.

Teboho Mokoena played in the win over Lesotho in March when he was suspended for previously picking up two yellow cards.

Bafana currently sit in second place in their group on 14 points from eight games, behind leaders Benin on goal-difference.

Nigeria occupy third place with 11 points, ahead of fourth-placed Rwanda, also on 11 points.

Bafana first take on bottom-placed Zimbabwe at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Friday before playing Rwanda at the Mbombela Stadium on Tuesday.

Benin face Rwanda and Nigeria in their two final games.

Speaking ahead of the game, Bafana boss Hugo Broos said he remains confident his team can qualify for the World Cup.

"Friday’s game (against Zimbabwe) is maybe the most important," Broos said in the Citizen.

"If we win that game we have 17 points. If Nigeria win their two games they can only get 17 points. It is the same for Rwanda. But if they (Nigeria and Rwanda) win their two games, then Benin cannot win two games.

"There has never been a doubt (about qualification) from my side. I will try to transfer that to the group. I am sure on Friday they will do everything to win the game. And why should we doubt it given the past performances?"

Zimbabwe head coach Michael Nees is, meanwhile, full of confidence of an upset heading into the tie, with his team already out of contention to qualify.

The Warriors are bottom of Group C with four points from eight games.

"The boys are motivated and working hard. We know what's at stake and are confident that we can perfect our strategies before kick-off," said Nees on Sports247.

"Every team we face will meet a Zimbabwe side ready to fight. We’ve analysed our past games, learned from our mistakes, and are coming back stronger."

Bafana will be without injured Themba Zwane, Iqraam Rayners and Relebohile Mofokeng for the two ties.

South Africa have not qualified for the World Cup since 2002, having played in the 2010 edition of the tournament as hosts.