Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Yanga Sibembe
Published on 2024-02-25 14:56:41
South Africa recently celebrated their impressive performance at the Africa Cup of Nations, their best in almost thirty years. However, coach Hugo Broos and his team now have their sights set on their next challenge – qualifying for the World Cup.
Bafana Bafana find themselves in a World Cup qualification group alongside Nigeria, Lesotho, Zimbabwe, Rwanda, and Benin. They have already faced Rwanda and Benin in their opening qualification fixtures. The team kicked off their campaign with a 2-1 victory over Benin in Durban in November 2023, followed by a surprising 2-0 loss to Rwanda in Butare later that same month.
While the mixed start was less than ideal, South Africa showed resilience and determination during their Afcon campaign in Ivory Coast. Now, they need to carry that momentum forward as they prepare to face Zimbabwe and Nigeria in early June. Despite the setback against Rwanda, Bafana Bafana are currently in second place in their group standings, with Rwanda leading the group.
The road to World Cup qualification is a challenging one, with eight games still to be played by each team in the group. Fortunately, FIFA’s decision to expand the World Cup to 48 teams means that the qualification process is now more straightforward. The top team from each group will secure a spot at the 2026 World Cup.
For South Africa, qualifying for the World Cup would not only showcase their talent on the global stage but also reignite public interest and belief in the national team. Coach Hugo Broos, who led the team to a historic Afcon medal, is determined to guide Bafana Bafana to the World Cup.
While criticisms of the team’s playing style have been persistent over the years, Broos remains focused on achieving results. The Belgian coach’s emphasis on tactical discipline and organization has been evident in the team’s recent performances.
As they prepare for upcoming friendlies against Andorra and Algeria, Broos will continue to evaluate and expand his player pool. He also stresses the importance of improving the quality of play in the South African Premier Soccer League, noting that tactical discipline is crucial for success at the international level.
In the quest for World Cup qualification, South Africa must remain focused, resilient, and united as they aim to secure a ticket to the 2026 football showpiece. With a talented squad and a determined coach at the helm, Bafana Bafana have the potential to make history and inspire a nation.
Read the original article on Daily Maverick
