Legendary SA coach Pitso Mosimane has reacted to Bafana Bafana’s inspirational qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, offering his perspective on the national team’s momentous achievement.
Hugo Broos’ men thrashed Rwanda 3-0 in their final 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification Group C match. The match was played at the Mbombela Stadium on Tuesday evening.
The win saw them seal qualification to the global showpiece to be held in Canada, Mexico and the USA, as Group C table toppers. Broos’ charges finished the qualification campaign with 18 points from 10 matches.
Orlando Pirates trio of Thalente Mbatha, Oswin Appolis and Evidence Makgopa were on target for the national team. Appollis was the Man of the Match for his electric performance against Rwanda.
As a result, former Bafana and Mamelodi Sundowns mentor, Mosimane, is on cloud nine after the milestone.
CAF INTER-CLUB PARTICIPATION HAS ADDED VALUE TO BAFANA, SAYS PITSO MOSIMANE
Mosimane celebrated the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification in a post on social media – X [Twitter]. He stated that the experience gained from CAF inter-club competitions has paid dividends.
“Thank you, coach Hugo, Helman [Mkhalele], the technical team and our players. They really gave a gallant fight throughout the qualifiers.
“Participation of our local teams in the semi-finals of CAF Champions League and Confederation Cup has added value to our national teams,” Mosimane reacted.
Even after being docked three points following the fielding of Teboho Mokoena, who was suspended due to the accumulation of yellow cards, they never lost hope.
And, even after dropping points following their goalless draw with Zimbabwe last Friday, Bafana remained undeterred.
In addition, Nigeria delivered the service South Africa needed, after beating Benin 4-0. Striker Victor Osimhen notched a hat-trick and Frank Onyeka scored the other goal.
In addition, the Super Eagles are now headed to the play-offs to fight for their own slot at the World Cup. Broos’ team joins Ghana, Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt, Algeria, Senegal, Ivory Coast and Cape Verde, who also qualified.
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