This is South Africa’s penultimate qualifier. Following the docking of three points and the expunging of their record against Lesotho in Polokwane due to the Tebogo Mokoena saga, also known as Mokoena-gate. 

A victory over Zimbabwe is non-negotiable if they are to keep their hopes alive of qualifying for the World Cup for the first time in 24 years.

Bafana Bafana remain confident in their mission, but back-to-back wins and a healthy goal difference will be key. Zimbabwe, on the other hand, have nothing to lose, as they are already out of contention for qualification to the tournament in the USA, Canada, and Mexico, which could make them even more dangerous opponents.

There has been good news for South Africa, with several key players returning from injury, including Yaya Sithole and Khuliso Mudau, while captain Ronwen Williams confirmed the mood in camp is upbeat and the squad is well-prepared and eager to perform.

“The mood in the camp has been great, training has been amazing, and the guys are looking forward to getting the job done,” said Williams.

“It’s good to see familiar faces like Mudau and Sithole back, especially Sithole, who’s returning after a year – that’s really special.”

Lyle Foster. Photo: Morgan Piek

The influential captain said the team knows exactly what’s required on Friday night, and they’re determined to keep their destiny in their own hands.

“We know what’s at stake – it’s the business end of the qualifiers. But nothing changes for us. We just need to keep being the team we’ve been over the last few years. We’ve set high standards from the start, and qualifying is in our hands now.”

We don’t want to rely on anyone else, we want to get the job done ourselves.”

Head coach Hugo Broos echoed his captain’s sentiments, expressing confidence in his squad and vowing his players will “fight like lions” in this high-pressure encounter.

“Nothing has changed. I feel the group, the boys, the players – they know they’re the same team from two months ago. They still have the same quality and a fantastic mentality.”

Hugo Broos. Photo: Morgan Piek

“On Friday at six o’clock, the game starts, and we will fight for it like lions, because we want to win that game. You can be sure of it.”

Friday’s crucial Group C qualifier at the Moses Mabhida Stadium kicks off at 18:00. At the same time, Lesotho will host Nigeria at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane, while in Kigali, Rwanda will take on log-leaders Benin at the Stade Amahoro.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek dg