Bafana Bafana is under pressure as FIFA sanctions threaten their chances of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup.
Credits: The South African.
By Duncan Mnisi
South Africa – Bafana Bafana is in a tough spot after FIFA penalized the team for fielding an ineligible player, Teboho Mokoena, in recent matches.
The sanction has dropped South Africa to second place in Group C with 14 points, level with Benin, who lead on goal difference.
The penalty means South Africa must win their remaining matches against Rwanda and Zimbabwe to qualify directly for the World Cup.
Coach Hugo Broos expressed concern about the situation, saying, “We need to focus and win both games to keep our hopes alive.”
Bafana Bafana will face Rwanda on October 14 at Moses Mabhida Stadium and Zimbabwe later the same day at Mbombela Stadium.
Broos has announced his 23-man squad ahead of the qualifiers.
A win in both matches is crucial, as only the group winners qualify automatically, while second-placed teams risk a playoff.
Elsewhere, other teams such as Nigeria and Rwanda are also fighting for qualification. Nigeria, with 11 points, is pushing to recover after a recent setback. The standings show a tight race, with the top contenders running out of opportunities to secure their places.
The penalty has created turmoil and urgency within the South African camp.
“We are disappointed but determined to turn this around,” said captain Ronwen Williams.
The outcome of these matches will determine whether Bafana Bafana can still dream of reaching the 2026 World Cup.
Their next hurdle is against Rwanda, and fans are hopeful the team can bounce back and keep their qualification hopes alive.
“All cases of sexual violence violate the rights to dignity and privacy of victims as enshrined in our Constitution. The NPA remains committed to aggressively prosecuting these crimes,” Thenga said.
