Bafana Bafana midfielder Sphephelo Sithole says the squad had a meeting amongst each other and fully understand what is at stake in their final 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers.
South Africa are currently in a position where both games; Zimbabwe and Rwanda in the next week are potentially must-win games after having three points deducated and droppoing to second in Group C on goal difference, with Benin on top.
While the Cheetahs face Rwanda and Nigeria away, Bafana will be confident they could get the job done, as the Super Eagles are three points behind, it will be a tense final two games to determine who gets the top spot and the automatic ticket to the 2026 World Cup.
“We had a meeting and spoke amongst each other as a group – and we know this game against Zimbabwe is a do-or-die game, we have to win it if we really want to go to the World Cup, it’s a must-win,” Sithole said.
“So everyone is prepared for that – everyone knows it’s a do or die game, we have to win no matter what… also we want to make the country proud, because we haven’t qualified to go to the World Cup in the last 24 years. So it’s a big chance for us to make the country proud.
“We have mixed emotions, we don’t want to take the game lightly or feel too relaxed, so we need balance, but the mood is always good in Bafana Bafana, if someone gets a call-up, they are happy, the players are happy to represent the country, so the mood is fabulous.”
The team who finishes in second place are set to be in the ‘best second placed pool’ and go through playoff system for a second chance to qualify.