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South Africa return to the global football stage for the first time since 2010 when they hosted the tournament. But they had successfully passed through a qualification campaign when they made it to the 2002 Korea/Japan edition. They now head to North America, and a former Buccaneers skipper is convinced they have what it takes to conquer the world.

Bafana Bafana concluded a successful international break with qualification for the 2026 World Cup. GOAL now turns its attention to the PSL clubs and South African stars taking centre stage in the CAF inter-club competitions this weekend, with an array of challenges awaiting across the continent.

The Spaniard left the Sea Robbers after three years, and the club's skipper says it was a good decision for both parties. Although he has been described as a tired figure by the end of last season, he went on to coach African giants Al Ahly straight away after leaving the Bucs, which saw him getting sacked after just seven games in charge.

Although he did not earn a direct call-up to Bafana, after filling in for the injured Maswanganyi, Mbule went on and featured in the crucial qualifiers that South Africa needed to win. His determination to grab his 'second chance' has been lauded by his coach, who has challenged him to keep working hard ahead of future international assignments.

The Buccaneers have a CAF Champions League trip to Lubumbashi and it is familiar territory for their coach Abdeslam Ouaddou who previously coached their rivals AS Vita in the Linafoot league. The Chilli Boys coach, who was at the helm of Lupopo last season, has given the Soweto giants a further look at what they will face when the walk out on the pitch at Stade Kibassa Maliba.

The Mswenko Boys are among the new teams that were promoted to the ongoing 2025/26 South African top-flight football after a successful stint in the lower tier. They have been bringing in players they feel will bring much-needed experience in their bid to sustain their position in the top league beyond this season.

The veteran tactician has hinted he might not consider any other coaching offer after reaching several milestones with South Africa in both the continent and the world at large. The former Cameroon coach has been at the helm of the national team since May 2021, when he replaced Molefi Ntseki, who had failed to deliver the set objectives.

The 73-year-old has been a rock in Mzansi football, where he has ensured the national team gets back to its rightful place, not only on the continent but the world at large. He has explained how he had to give his best to get players with the right attitude to represent the country and ensure they deliver consistently across all competitions.

South Africa are heading to the USA/Canada and Mexico after booking a ticket to participate in the global tournament. Since participating as hosts in the 2010 World Cup, South Africa have not qualified for this competition. However, they have now managed to earn a spot through a challenging campaign, which included having three points docked by FIFA.

South Africa are among the teams that have sealed their World Cup ticket thanks to their healthy win over Amavubi in the midweek outing, coupled with the Super Eagles' victory over the Cheetahs in Uyo. This is the first time since 2010 that Mzansi will be rubbing shoulders with the best in the global competition to be played next year.

The new signing has been tipped to shine even more when he fully settles at the Chloorkop-based heavyweights. However, the midfielder's good start with his new club comes at a time when Masandawana are shaky and have just been eliminated from another competition.

As Bafana prepare to take on Rwanda's Amavubi, a new player has been called up by Hugo Broos. This is a crucial game for Mzansi, but they will face their rivals without key stars, and this complicates their situation even more.

South Africa have been struggling for a prolific scorer who can take them to the global football competition and this problem comes at the most delicate moment. Already, strikers called up by coach Hugo Broos were struggling to score goals at their respective clubs and he now loses some of these men, leaving him to make desperate call-ups.