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Hugo Broos: Points Deduction Will Fuel South Africa's World Cup Ambition

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Hugo Broos
Hugo Broos' South Africa Remain Confident in World Cup Qualifiers



South Africa coach Hugo Broos believes his team will find extra motivation after being docked 3 points in the World Cup qualifiers.


“I believe in this group and I am sure that they will do everything in their power to win that game on Friday (against Zimbabwe)...”


South Africa coach Hugo Broos believes his team will find extra motivation following a three-point deduction by FIFA, which has dropped them to second place in their 2026 World Cup qualification group. The points were deducted due to an administrative error where midfielder Teboho Mokoena was fielded in a March qualifier against Lesotho despite being suspended. Broos has taken full responsibility for the mistake, acknowledging it was a collective failure involving his technical staff, team management, and the player.


Current Group Standings:

  • South Africa: 14 points, 2nd place (trailing Benin on goal difference)
  • Benin: 14 points, 1st place (leads on goal difference)
  • Nigeria: 11 points, 3rd place
  • Rwanda: 11 points, 4th place


Despite the setback, Broos remains confident that South Africa deserves a spot in the World Cup. He believes his team has shown consistency, resilience, and quality throughout the qualifiers and that their upcoming fixtures against Zimbabwe and Rwanda are crucial opportunities to prove themselves.




Broos is optimistic about his team's chances, stating that if they win their upcoming games, they can secure a spot in the World Cup. He also believes that Benin won't win both of their remaining matches, given their tough fixtures against Nigeria and Rwanda.


The South African Football Association's handling of the administrative error that led to FIFA's six-month-old decision has sparked controversy. The association has yet to provide a clear explanation for the mistake or the prolonged investigation period. As a result, South Africa finds itself tied with Benin in Group C, with 14 points each, but trailing behind on goal difference.


Despite the setback, South Africa has a potentially easier run-in, with home matches against Zimbabwe and Rwanda. Their fate, however, remains uncertain, and the national team will be eager to secure victories in their remaining matches to boost their chances of qualifying for the World Cup.


“There are no doubts, there have never been any doubts from my side, and I will try to transfer this to the players at a meeting we will have on Tuesday,” Broos said.


“I believe in this group and I am sure that they will do everything in their power to win that game on Friday (against Zimbabwe). Why should we doubt ourselves now after our performances in the qualifiers?


“If there is a team that deserves to go to the World Cup, it is South Africa.”


South Africa coach Hugo Broos remains supremely confident about his team's chances of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup. Despite a recent three-point deduction by FIFA for fielding an ineligible player, Broos believes Bafana Bafana deserves a spot in the tournament. The points deduction dropped South Africa to second place in Group C, level on 14 points with leaders Benin but trailing on goal difference.


Broos emphasized the importance of winning their upcoming matches, particularly the game against Zimbabwe. A victory would give South Africa 17 points, a tally he believes would be enough to stay ahead of rivals Nigeria and Rwanda. He also doubts Benin's ability to win both of their remaining matches against Nigeria and Rwanda.


Broos' confidence stems from his team's consistent performance throughout the qualifiers. He believes South Africa deserves to qualify for the World Cup, citing their resilience and quality. Despite the setback, Broos is determined to transfer his confidence to his players and guide them to victory.


“I think if you see the games of Chiefs, Mduduzi is someone who has the action,” Broos said. “He knows where to run – for me his best position is behind the strikers. So if we use him, it will be in that position.”


Hugo Broos believes South Africa remains in control of their World Cup qualification fate. With two home games ahead, Broos is optimistic about securing the necessary results to qualify for the 2026 World Cup. The upcoming fixtures provide an opportunity for South Africa to capitalize on their home advantage and make the final decision on their qualification.




“Certainly, looking at the next games, there are four teams involved. It's impossible that four teams can win their two matches. So, therefore, the game on Friday is maybe the most important. If we can win that game, we have 17 points,” he said.


“Nigeria, if they win their two games, they can only have 17 points; the same thing for Rwanda. Benin cannot win the two games because they play against Nigeria and Rwanda and then the game on Friday is so important for us to win.”


Upcoming Fixtures

South Africa:

  • vs Zimbabwe on October 10, 2025, at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban (6:00 PM local time)
  • vs Rwanda on October 14, 2025, at Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit (6:00 PM local time)

Benin:

  • Away to Rwanda
  •  Away to Nigeria









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