…says the team’s focus is on qualifying for the World Cup and not the rivalry sideshow
By: Mpho Sekharume
Bafana Bafana coach, Hugo Broos, has declared that his charges are ready to face Nigeria this evening in Bloemfontein and will be going out to get a positive result to secure qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America next year.
The national team coach told the media at a press briefing in the Free State capital that his side is confident ahead of the Super Eagles clash, despite the latter pushing for Bafana Bafana to be docked points for having fielded a suspended player in Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder, Teboho Mokoena, in the 2-0 first leg victory against Lesotho back in March this year.
The national side secured a very important 3-0 victory against their landlocked neighbours Lesotho last Friday at the Free State Stadium and will now be hoping to get another win again against Nigeria – whom they have developed a fierce continental rivalry with over the past few years.
“We believe in ourselves, and we are confident,” Broos said in Bloemfontein yesterday ahead of tonight's clash.
“We did a very good mental job on Friday – it wasn’t easy to play that game. You know the nonsense that has been told before. So that means that the team is mentally strong.” He added.
While lauding the intense football rivalry that continues to develop between the two countries – hailing it as ‘good for football’ - Broos emphasised that the Bafana Bafana’s greatest motivation is to win and qualify for the World Cup competition next year and not necessarily to defeat Nigeria in particular.
“Okay it is nice, and it is good for football that there is a rivalry between two countries, but for us this is not the most important thing.
“We may beat Nigeria and practically we would have qualified for the world cup. That is important…not the fact that we beat Nigeria (in particular).
“It’s up to us to manage the game and not to lose our heads, because the rivalry is so high,” said Broos.
The Free State Stadium is expected to be packed to the rafters when these two African football giants collide tonight. The match will kick off at 18:00.
