Former Bafana player Nomvethe on Fifa World Cup 2026 qualifiers v Zim and Rwanda
Siyabonga Nomvethe, former Bafana Bafana striker, urges the team to maintain focus as they pursue qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, facing crucial matches against Zimbabwe and Rwanda.
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Former Bafana Bafana striker Siyabonga Nomvethe has urged Hugo Broos and his side to remain focused on their journey as they chase qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico.
South Africa find themselves in a strong position heading into their next clash against Zimbabwe at the Moses Mabhida Stadium (6pm kick-off) on Friday. They are level on 14 points with Group C leaders Benin, who top the standings only on goal difference.
Their second fixture in this round of qualifiers will see them take on a Rwanda side that beat them 2-0 in the first leg, at the Mbombela Stadium on Tuesday.
Bafana last featured on the global stage when the tournament was hosted on home soil in 2010. The last time they qualified for the World Cup was in 2002, and most of the current players were still toddlers. While history waits to be rewritten, Nomvethe has already carved his name into it through his exploits in a Bafana jersey.
His famous fourth-minute strike against Slovenia at the 2002 edition remains one of South Africa’s proudest World Cup memories — not only securing a historic win but also marking the nation’s first-ever victory at the tournament. It is a moment that still brings pride to the 47-year-old, who knows all too well what it takes to compete at the highest level.
Speaking exclusively to Independent Media, the former Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates forward said Bafana have done well for themselves and now need to push a little harder to ensure they cross the finish line.
“Bafana have been doing very well,” Nomvethe said. “They have worked so hard to get themselves in the position they currently find themselves in.”
The former Udinese forward’s comments come after Broos and his charges suffered a recent setback when they were docked three points by Fifa for fielding Teboho Mokoena in a 3-0 win against Lesotho in March, even though he was meant to serve a suspension after receiving two yellow cards in earlier matches.
“They might need to push a little harder because we still have a challenge ahead of us with the points that were deducted from us a few weeks ago. I do believe, though, that with the last two remaining matches, they will have enough to secure their qualification,” he continued.
“The side’s confidence would have taken a dent with the points deduction, but at the same time, the opportunity is still there to secure qualification because it was only three points that were deducted.”
Nomvethe believes Bafana are in a strong position but warned against complacency. He urged Broos and his men to remain focused on their own performances instead of being distracted by other results in the group.
“We have the same points as Benin, and their only advantage is the one goal, " Nomvethe said.
"We need to remain focused on our own game and ensure that we win the two remaining matches because we cannot afford to drop points in either game as that would hurt our chances. We shouldn’t be dependent on how they do in their tie and hope for a draw, as anything can happen in any of the fixtures.”