By Michael Madyira
Bafana Bafana has an opportunity to immediately claim Group C pole position in the 2026 Fifa World Cup qualifiers when they host Benin at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday.
This follows Nigeria’s 1-1 draw with Lesotho at home on Thursday.
With Zimbabwe and Rwanda drawing 0-0 on Wednesday, South Africa could become the first team in this pool to collect maximum points.
It is, however, the Nigeria result that is encouraging for Bafana after the Super Eagles survived a home upset after coming from behind to salvage a point in Uyo.
The Super Eagles are Bafana’s biggest threat in this group, fearing to upset Hugo Broos and his men’s bid to qualify for USA/Canada/Mexico.
Victory over Benin would get South Africa’s World Cup qualification bid to an encouraging start.
Also beating Rwanda away on Tuesday would place Bafana in control of their group, making them the team to beat.
“We have to be careful that we have a good start and are not behind from the beginning,” Broos on a bright start.”
After facing Benin and Rwanda, Bafana resumed their World Cup qualification campaign with a trip to Nigeria in June 2024.
It is a match viewed as the biggest in Group C, but their focus is now on immediate assignments.
“I’m looking forward to the games,” said Bafana vice-captain Percy Tau.
“We want to win and we also want to go to the World Cup. I think everyone plays a role in helping us achieve that.
“We need all the support either from the fans or the media. We just want everyone to be part of this. We are excited about facing the challenges. We are ready.”
Inspiring Bafana going into Saturday’s match is that they have lost three times since Broos took over in 2021 but they have often been criticised for drawing matches they could easily win.
Pictured above: Bafana Bafana players at training preparing for Benin
Image source: Bafana Bafana
