South Africa arrived in the Free State capital on Thursday night after a delayed flight out of Johannesburg, where they had been preparing for the must-win Group C clash. Concerns over the pitch at the Toyota Stadium have been resolved, and it’s all systems go for what promises to be two vital fixtures in the city. 

After facing Lesotho on Friday, Bafana will also host Nigeria next Tuesday.

Hugo Broos. Photo: Morgan Piek

For coach Hugo Broos, these matches carry extra significance. Wins – coupled with a bit of luck – would edge South Africa closer to booking their place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.

Broos, who represented Belgium as a player at the 1986 World Cup in Mexico, could find himself back there nearly 40 years later, this time as a coach. The 73-year-old has already indicated that this will be his final job before hanging up his clipboard.

Broos told OFM Sport that he is highly motivated to guide South Africa to their first World Cup in 16 years – a full-circle moment in his football journey.

“You know, 40 years ago – next year it will be 40 years – I played in the World Championship in Mexico as a player,” Broos recalled, his eyes lighting up.

“It would be fantastic to do it again as a coach, 40 years later. I’ve said it before: this is my last job. I’m 73, and I won’t keep going until I’m 80. So yes, it would be the perfect way to stop.

“I’m very motivated, and my team is as well. Not many coaches get the chance to both play and coach at a World Cup. That would be a wonderful way to close the chapter.”

Looking ahead to the two matches, Broos stressed their importance in securing qualification but expressed confidence in his side.

Hugo Broos and Bafana Bafana. Photo: Morgan Piek

“We all know the next two games could, with a bit of luck, be the final step towards qualifying for the World Cup. We’re very motivated to play on Friday and to win. But we also know Lesotho are always a tough opponent. Still, we’ve come this far, and we believe we can push even harder tomorrow.

“It’s very important that we take this chance. By winning on Friday, we can put pressure on our rivals. Nigeria only play on Saturday, so we have to grab this opportunity with both hands.

“As the captain said, we’ve had a very good camp so far. Now we just need to carry that form into Friday’s match.”

Captain and goalkeeper Ronwen Williams, in turn, told OFM Sport that the team will draw on their sensational 3-1 win against Zimbabwe in Bloemfontein last year, and he hopes the passionate crowd will once again be their 12th man.

“Yeah, it’s obviously nice coming here again – we know the crowd can be that extra motivation,” said Williams.

“We’ve got good memories of playing here last June, when we beat Zimbabwe. So hopefully the crowd can come out once again, be that extra motivation, and give us the energy we need for these two massive games.

“Two positive results in this group can put one foot on the plane to America. We’re excited to be back here, we’re happy, and we’re looking forward to doing the business on Friday.”

Friday night’s crunch clash at the Toyota Stadium kicks off at 18:00.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek