South Africa head coach Hugo Broos is confident Bafana Bafana will defeat Zimbabwe in their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier if they play like they did in the 1-1 draw against Nigeria.

Bafana Bafana will face the Warriors at Free State Stadium on Tuesday hours after returning from Uyo where they secured a vital draw against the Super Eagles. “I believe in my team, and I believe they can (perform). If we play the game the way we did on Friday (against Nigeria), taking travel into consideration, then I believe a win is possible against Zimbabwe,” said Broos.

Broos was complimentary of the group of players that have come together, eager to fight for their places in the team that is bidding to qualify for the next edition of the FIFA World Cup. He was pleased that despite the challenges, they kept their focus and stuck to the plan.

Defender Given Msimango said Bafana Bafana did what they needed to do against the West Africans in Friday’s World Cup qualifier. “The travel was tough, yes, but the game was going to go ahead anyway, so we kept our focus. We all did! It’s about the football at the end of the day,” he said.

When Msimango was asked how he felt when the call-up came for him to join the team after Grant Kekana had to be withdrawn due to injury, he could not stop smiling. “I was on vacation with my wife, and we had to cut that short. I’m happy to be here, honoured to play and I will give it my best.”

The team enjoyed their training session on Monday and are excited to play in front of the fans of ‘The City of Roses’ in what is going to be a match that will be remembered for a long time.