With the Mamelodi Sundowns players currently in the USA, Tuesday’s match remains an important part of South Africa’s preparations for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho, Nigeria, and Zimbabwe.

Last week, South Africa played to a goalless draw against Tanzania. While the result was not what they wanted, coach Hugo Broos was satisfied with the team’s performance.

On Tuesday, Orlando Pirates defender Nkosinathi Sibisi will captain South Africa for the first time – and he says it’s a huge honour.

“Obviously, captaining South Africa ranks very high in my career, and for me, it’s a privilege and an honour to lead the team,” said Sibisi. “I’d like to thank the coach for showing confidence in me.

“We’ve been together since the very first camp when he came to South Africa, and I want to say thanks to him because there were sometimes question marks around why I was here. “But to be able to lead the team tomorrow will be a huge honour and privilege for me.”

Hugo Broos. Photo: X

Meanwhile, Broos added that they can expect a much tougher challenge than the game on Friday against the visitors from East Africa.

“It will not be an easy game as we are playing against a strong opponent. I believe, if I’m not mistaken, they are doing well in the qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup at the moment.

“They also had a very good AFCON last year in Ivory Coast, so Mozambique are certainly no pushovers. On the other hand, it will be a good test for all the new and young players who are with us at the moment.”

Tuesday night’s game at the Peter Mokaba Stadium kicks off at 19:30.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek mvh