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Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Lyle Foster and Marshall Munetsi, South Africa vs ZimbabweBackpage
Seth Willis

Orlando Pirates graduate eases injury fears and vows Bafana Bafana 'will make sure to deliver' against Rwanda in 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier

Mzansi's hope of playing in the prestigious global competition hangs in the balance after their recent goalless draw against the Warriors. The Hugo Broos-led team plays the Eastern African nation aware that they can't drop any more points if they are to sustain their chances of representing the continent in the tournament to be co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

  • Khama Billiat, Zimbabwe, Mohau Nkota, South Africa, October 2025Backpage

    Did Bafana Bafana drop the ball?

    Bafana Bafana struggled to score against Zimbabwe on Friday, October 10, in Group C's World Cup outing staged at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban.

    They needed a win to keep up with leaders Benin, who beat Rwanda in another pool game played on Matchday nine. 

    The game between the Cosafa rivals ended goalless, which put South Africa in a tight position ahead of the date with Amavubi.  

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  • Bafana Bafana fansGetty

    The price South Africa paid against the Warriors

    Dependable Orlando Pirates defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi is suspended after two bookable offences. Thabo Moloisane has since replaced him.

    Burnley striker Lyle Foster was also seen limping after the game. In the absence of Iqraam Rayners, who is out owing to medical reasons, it was going to be another massive blow to lose another forward. 

    However, the 25-year-old has cooled the fans' nerves regarding his availability. 

  • Lyle Foster, Bafana Bafana, August 2025Backpage

    Foster fit to lead Bafana Bafana! Promises to deliver

    "I feel okay. [Draw against Zimbabwe] obviously wasn't the result that we wanted; we believed we would get a different result, but it wasn't to be," he said in a pre-match interview.
    "But I think it's how it goes sometimes. I think we played really well, unfortunately. 

    "But I think the mood in the camp is still very good. I think we know it's still far from over. We play on Tuesday in a very big game, and I think if we get a result there and a lot of things work for us, then I think it's just about focusing on the next one," Foster added.
    "No reason to feel despondent. If there's nothing to be played for, or there's no chance, I'd understand, but there wouldn't be a reason to be despondent, so like I said, there's still so much to play for.
    "The support [from the fans] has been great for Bafana as of late, and I just ask for the same sort of support that we had in Moses [Mabhida Stadium] and previous camps as well.
    "I think this is probably the most important [match], so we ask that the supporters come out in numbers and we'll make sure to deliver and give a result," he concluded.

  • What comes next?

    Bafana Bafana have no option but to beat Rwanda by a good margin, hoping Benin fall to Nigeria in another Group C game to be played on Wednesday.  

    The Super Eagles need a win and hope South Africa lose for them to qualify for the World Cup.