With the national team's bid to reach the quadrennial competition's finals in 2026 hanging in the balance after several recent setbacks, GOAL examines the reasons why South Africa has what it takes to win their remaining two matches to top Group C and qualify directly for the tournament in June next year.
The experienced goalkeeper has joined a growing list of players from Masandawana who have found homes at the lower league club. His place in the squad that will head to the AFCON finals is now doubtful, given that he is also injured.
The former Cameroon coach was forced to make another change to his squad after another key player was ruled out. To fill the gap, the tactician considered the Sea Robber, whom he believes is up to the task.
Harambee Stars only managed a slim win, even though, they faced a side numerically disadvantaged for the better part of the game. Burundi had to face Kenya without their striker, who was sent off just as the game began for a dangerous tackle on his opponent.
South Africa enter a very important phase of their quest to qualify for the World Cup with two do-or-die matches against the Warriors and Rwanda. But for now, their focus is on their northern neighbours whom they face at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Friday. It is a match that the coach cannot afford to make mistakes in his selection of his lineup.
South Africa are facing a big test of character in their last two games in their bid to return to the global finals as they face the Warriors and Rwanda. They have been in an almost similar situation before when Ghana ended their quest to go to Qatar during Hugo Broos' early days as their coach. Now, they would want to avoid failing again and as their northern neighbours threaten to dash their hopes.
The two Warriors players came out of retirement from international football to try and save their country, but Michael Nees' side is already out of contention to go to the World Cup. Having previously played Premier Soccer League football for Amakhosi, they are much familiar with South Africa players and might know what to expect from Hugo Broos' side.
The Buccaneers winger is not part of the national team currently in camp preparing to tackle Zimbabwe and Rwanda in do-or-die matches that have a huge bearing on whether South Africa secure a berth to USA/Canada/Mexico in June 2026. The 20-year-old has made himself a player trusted by coach Hugo Broos and is likely to go to the 2025 AFCON finals.
South Africa are preparing for two final qualifiers under considerable pressure given that they must fight and compensate for the points lost through deduction. However, a retired star has given them a strategy that they can use and collect six more points.
The Hluhluwe-born defender has been on a rapid rise since making his professional football debut in March. He has established himself as an important player for both club and country. But a former footballer is convinced that the Buccaneers and Bafana Bafana central defender is not being fully utilised.
Coach of the South Africa national side has explained the reason why the two are no longer part of his team after they both left Stellenbosch to join the Brazilians this year. Now with both Masandawana stars struggling for regular football they have lost out on their national team jerseys and face missing the continental finals in Morocco.
This fan urges South Africa not to rely on results elsewhere in Group C but to go 'for the kill' in their own games to ensure Mzansi can enjoy their first appearance at the global tournament since hosting in 2010.
In his characteristically blunt style the Belgian tactician pointed out the midfielder and defender were wrecking their AFCON and World Cup dreams by pursuing moves that led to them warming the bench instead of gaining valuable playing time.
The Bucs youngster has been ruled out after suffering an injury during their Carling Knockout Cup game against Siwelele. Ahead of the vital games, the Mofokeng absence is another setback that Bafana are facing, apart from the FIFA decision to deduct their points.
Broos' decision to overlook players from the Soweto giants raised eyebrows given that Amakhosi look like a much more improved side than they were last season. Although they do not have players in the national team, Makhosi have been told to support Bafana wholeheartedly.
The Bucs' youngster could not complete the Saturday game against Siwlele, and these injury fears rose just before he joined his national teammates for Bafana games ahead. However, the Sea Robbers tactician has called for patience as the forward is assessed.
The South African tactician took over the Algerian side before the season began, and he hopes to have a successful debut season with them. MC Alger offered him a chance to work in North Africa again after a rather unsuccessful stint with Morocco's Wydad Casablanca.
The Belgian tactician has explained why the Bucs youngster should leave as soon as possible if he is to get even better. Although he started playing senior football recently, the Sea Robber has established himself as a key player for both Bafana and the club.
Zimbabwe
