World Cup qualification restores Bafana’s dignity, says Broos

Bafana Bafana coach, Hugo Broos, says his team has restored pride to South African football after securing qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a 3–0 win over Rwanda in Mbombela, Mpumalanga on Tuesday night.

The Orlando Pirates trio of Thalente Mbatha, Oswin Appollis & Evidence Makgopa were on target for the victory that saw South Africa top Group C with 18 points, booking their place at next year’s global tournament.

Speaking after the match, Broos reflected on the team’s journey since he took charge, saying South Africa has gone from being mocked to being feared across the African continent.

Someone told me after the game that people used to laugh at Bafana Bafana. We were a joke, now we’re respected. We are on a high level, and everyone knows that when you play South Africa, it won’t be easy anymore.

The Belgian coach also attributed the team’s turnaround to their mental strength, discipline, and unity.

“This is not my work alone. It’s the work of my staff, my players, the medical team, the kit managers, everyone. We stuck to the plan for three years and now we are reaping the rewards,” he added.

The 72-year-old acknowledged that the win meant more than just qualification, describing it as the start of a new era for South African football.

“This nation needed this. We needed to be seen differently, to judge players on performance and mentality, not just reputation. Now we have a group of winners.”

Scores of South Africans including President Cyril Ramaphosa have congratulated the team which becomes just the third to qualify for the global tournament.

We are going to the 2026 FIFA World Cup!

Well done to the entire @BafanaBafana team. As always, South Africa will be right behind you, supporting you all the way. pic.twitter.com/ksD0bsnpXL

— Cyril Ramaphosa 🇿🇦 (@CyrilRamaphosa) October 14, 2025

…arrival suits by Mmuso Maxwell.. Custom kit by Rich Mnisi x Addidas…. A graphic tee collection with Bodega Boys… a Bafana McD meal… Press looks by Thebe Magugu @SAFA_net…. berekang tleng?! pic.twitter.com/U2EXjZi7gi

— Bonang Matheba 👑 (@Bonang) October 14, 2025

2025 has been an excellent year for South African sport!!

-World Test Championship🏆
-Rugby Championship 🏆
-Bafana Bafana qualifying for WC

BEST SPORTING NATION ON THE PLANET 🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦

NO DNA JUST RSA!!! pic.twitter.com/B4tA12jLlJ

— Lawrence Bailey 🇿🇦 (@LawrenceBailey0) October 14, 2025

If there’s one thing we should hold onto after Hugo Broos leaves, is the standard he has set.

This should be the standard for every Bafana coach. We are a powerhouse on the African continent, these things should be bare minimums, especially with the expanded AFCON and World Cup. pic.twitter.com/oLIOm2IQQ6

— Lesilo Rula (@kay_mahapa) October 15, 2025

THANK YOU, HUGO BROOS 🔥🇿🇦

We’re going to the WORLD CUP! 🏆
You believed when many didn’t. You rebuilt this team with courage, faith & discipline & now you’ve made South Africa dream again! 🙌

Take a bow, Coach 👏
You restored pride to Bafana Bafana! 💚💛 pic.twitter.com/pTF67XyRmu

— Mbuks (@MT_Ntsonda) October 14, 2025

Bafana Bafana is going to the world cup without needing a calculator. Grootman Hugo you have changed our lives 🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦 pic.twitter.com/EHDLXsYsvj

— PABLO (@WonderMahlobo) October 14, 2025