Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie asks South Africans to ignore points deductions speculations & urges them to fill stadium ahead of World Cup qualifier against Nigeria - 'It is a distraction'

There have been speculations surrounding Bafana Bafana's bid to play in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with Lesotho and Nigeria hoping the country will be deducted three points.

South Africa played the then-suspended Teboho Mokoena against the Crocodiles in March.

Both the Super Eagles and Lesotho are aware a punishment to Mzansi will give them hope of qualification.

Some fans and stakeholders are worried that the country might miss out on dining with other countries next year in the global competition to be jointly held by the United States, Mexico, and Canada. 

However, Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie has rubbished the reports, insisting South Africa will not be punished.

He insists the country is working towards the ultimate goal, playing in the World Cup, and fans should turn out in large numbers to cheer the team against Nigeria at Free State Stadium.

"We're filling this stadium up today for Bafana Bafana; ignore this issue of points reduction, it’s a distraction," he posted.

"We are not aware of any case made against Bafana Bafana, anyway, the time collapsed to launch a complaint. 

"We're moving to the next stage, which is the World Cup," McKenzie concluded.

Bafana have a golden chance to be among the first teams from Africa to qualify for the World Cup next year.

However, they have to beat the Super Eagles and hope Benin drop points against Lesotho in the other Group C game to be played on Tuesday.