The national side will travel to Durban later this week after wrapping up preparations at Dobsonville Stadium in Soweto.

Orlando Pirates star attacking midfielder Relebohile Mofokeng has been ruled out after picking up an injury during their 1-0 Carling Knockout Cup Round of 16 win over Siwelele FC at the Orlando Stadium over the weekend.

Relebohile Mofokeng in action for Orlando Pirates against Siwelele FC in Bloemfontein. Photo: Morgan Piek

Kaizer Chiefs’ Mduduzi Shabalala has been called up as Mofokeng’s replacement. Shabalala was one of the standout players for Bafana during the 2025 Cosafa Cup in Bloemfontein earlier this year, where South Africa reached the final.

Broos confirmed the injury in his squad but expressed full confidence in the players he selects.

“First of all, a quick update on the selection – we had to replace Relebohile Mofokeng after he picked up an injury on Saturday. He’s been replaced by Shabalala.” 

Mduduzi Shabalala of South Africa and Joseph Francois of Mauritius. Photo: Morgan Piek

“There are still two players, Lyle Foster and Sphephelo Sithole, who haven’t arrived yet as they played yesterday, but they’ll join us tomorrow morning. By tomorrow afternoon, the full squad will be together for training.”

Despite the pressure on South Africa following a points deduction and the expunging of some records due to the Tebogo Mokoena saga, Broos said he fully backs his team and believes they can deliver. He said the game against Zimbabwe is of paramount importance.

“I don’t have to tell you the next games could be historic. Everyone knows it’s been 24 years since South Africa last qualified for a World Cup.” 

“The situation has changed slightly with the deduction of three points, but that doesn’t affect our approach – even before that, we had to win our last two games to be sure of qualification.

“There are four teams still in contention, but it’s impossible for all of them to win both matches. That’s why Friday’s game is perhaps the most important of all. If we win, we’ll be on 17 points – the same total Nigeria or Rwanda could reach if they win both their matches. So, this is a crucial step for us.

“There have never been any doubts from my side. I believe in this group, and I will make sure they feel that belief. On Friday, I’m confident they will give everything to win that game.”

Lyle Foster against Lesotho in Bloemfontein. Photo: Morgan Piek

Broos said throughout the qualifiers, South Africa has consistently been the team to beat and is determined to prove they deserve a place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be staged in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.

“Why should we doubt ourselves when we look at the performances over the past eight qualifier games? If there is one team that truly deserves to go to the World Cup, it’s South Africa. We should have already secured 17 points, even with the challenges we faced, and that reflects the quality and consistency of this group over the past two years.”

Teboho Mokoena. Photo: Morgan Piek

“There has never been any doubt from my side, even after the three-point deduction. On Friday, there will be a team on the pitch that will do everything to win. We don’t expect anything from our opponents, and Zimbabwe has always been highly motivated when facing us.

“We are ready, and we will fight to win that crucial game. After that, we will see what happens on the other pitches, but our focus is clear – Friday is a very important game, and we aim to secure the win.”

Friday’s (10/10) crucial World Cup qualifier between Zimbabwe and South Africa at Moses Mabhida Stadium kicks off at 18:00.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek dg