As the countdown to the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico intensifies, Bafana Bafana Coach Hugo Broos stands at the precipice of an extraordinary journey. On Friday evening, the 73-year-old Belgian will lead the national team into battle against Lesotho at the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein, a pivotal moment in their quest for global glory.
For Broos, this encounter is more than just another match; it represents the full circle of his illustrious career. Having donned the Belgian national jersey at the 1986 World Cup in Mexico, he dreams of returning to the tournament next year, but this time from the sidelines as a coach.
“It will be 40 years next year since I did the world championships in Mexico as a player. It will be fantastic to do it as a trainer 40 years later. This is my last job as a coach. I am 73, and I am not going on until I am 80, and it should be a nice moment to stop,” Broos expressed with a blend of nostalgia and determination.Friday’s clash, while being hosted in Bloemfontein, will be an away match for Bafana Bafana, as Lesotho’s stadiums are not FIFA-approved.
The two teams previously met earlier this year in Polokwane, where South Africa secured a 2-0 victory. However, with the stakes significantly heightened, Broos is insistent that a win is crucial. “For us, we have to win the game tomorrow. I see a motivated group and the boys know that it should be a highlight in their career to go to the World Cup next year, so I know they will fight for it from the first minute,” he emphasised, rallying the spirit of his squad.Following the clash with Lesotho, Bafana will host their historical rival, Nigeria, at the same venue next Tuesday. Broos confidently remarked that victories in these matches would bring them significantly closer to securing World Cup qualification.
“We all know that the next two games, with a bit of luck, can maybe be the final step to qualification for the World Cup, so we are motivated to play tomorrow’s game,” he stated. The urgency emanating from Broos signals the importance of these fixtures as not just qualifying opportunities, but as a chance to rekindle a sense of pride among South African football supporters.Captain Ronwen Williams is also echoing enthusiasm, urging fans to turn out in droves to provide the essential support.
“It’s obviously nice coming here, we know the crowd can give us extra motivation and we have a good memory when we played here last year, when we beat Zimbabwe, so hopefully the crowd will come out again and give us the extra motivation and energy we need,” he said, showcasing the bond between the team and its admirers.The match against Lesotho is set to kick off at 6 pm, promising to be a thrilling encounter that could shape the future of South African football and propell Hugo Broos towards an unforgettable final chapter in his coaching career.