South Africa coach Hugo Broos has downplayed the challenge posed by Zimbabwe ahead of their crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifier next weekend, describing the Warriors as “not among Africa’s elite teams.”
Bafana Bafana, who were recently docked three points for fielding an ineligible player, now sit second in Group C, level on 14 points with leaders Benin but behind on goal difference. Despite the setback, Broos remains upbeat about qualification chances.
“Why should people start doubting after what we have achieved so far — the teams we have beaten and the good results we have recorded against top sides like Ivory Coast and Algeria?” Broos told SABC Sport during his squad announcement.
“You start doubting now because of a tricky situation, yet we’re facing Zimbabwe and Rwanda — not Nigeria, Cameroon, or Egypt. These are good teams, yes, but not top teams. So why should we doubt?”
Zimbabwe Clash
The Belgian tactician said his focus remains on six points from the final two fixtures. Bafana will host Zimbabwe at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban on 10 October, before concluding their campaign against Rwanda at Mbombela Stadium on 14 October.