Bafana Bafana head coach, Hugo Broos has downplayed the impact of FIFA recent points deduction on South Africa’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying hopes.
Broos insisted that the team’s qualification picture remains unchanged heading into the final two fixtures in October.
The sanction came after the South African Football Association (SAFA) was found guilty of breaching player eligibility rules, having fielded Teboho Mokoena in a fixture against Lesotho earlier this year.
“I know everything that happened in the last two weeks, but we’re still alive. Nothing has changed. After the game against Nigeria, we were three points ahead. We still had to win our last two games,” Broos said.
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Hugo Broos South Africa coach reacts during the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier match against Nigeria. (Photo | Getty Images)
“Why believe Benin will win their last two games and we will not? I don’t understand why people are doubting and saying we can’t qualify anymore.”
“People have to stop looking for who is responsible. We all know a mistake was made.”
Also read: Broos Confident Bafana Will Beat Nigeria to World Cup Qualification
Broos accepts collective accountability
“Who is responsible? It’s clear: I am responsible as the coach. My staff is responsible, the coaching staff is responsible, the player is responsible, and the SAFA administration is
responsible.”
The ruling sees South Africa slip to second place in Group C, behind Benin Republic on goal difference, heading into their decisive final two qualifiers in October.
