Broos faces major fitness concern for Bafana’s World Cup decider

Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos is facing major fitness concerns surrounding a key player just hours ahead of Tuesday’s crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Rwanda.

South Africa is set to host the Amavubi Stars at Mbombela Stadium at 18h00 in what is now a must-win match for the national side.

Qualification Hangs by a Thread For Bafana and Broos

The decisive encounter follows a disastrous sequence of results. Bafana Bafana’s campaign was significantly damaged earlier this year when they were famously deducted three points for fielding an ineligible Teboho Mokoena against Lesotho.

Following the frustrating 0-0 draw with Zimbabwe on Friday and Benin’s 1-0 victory over Rwanda, South Africa now sits in a perilous position. Broos’ side not only requires an outright win but also desperately needs Nigeria to either secure a win or a draw against Gernot Rohr’s Benin side. A victory for Benin would definitively extinguish South Africa’s hopes of returning to the World Cup finals for the first time in over two decades.

Foster Limps Off the Pitch

The team’s anxiety deepened during Monday’s training session when key striker Lyle Foster was seen walking on the sidelines with a noticeable limp and his knee strapped. The Burnley forward did not participate in the main team activities, raising serious doubts about his availability.

If Foster is unable to start the match, Broos is expected to turn to Orlando Pirates forward Evidence Makgopa, who was called up earlier in the week to replace the injured Iqraam Rayners.

Broos openly admitted that he faces a selection headache, compounded by the suspension of defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi. The Pirates player was sent off against Zimbabwe after accumulating two yellow cards, ruling HIM out of the final qualifier.

“And Mbokazi has also become a very important player,” said Broos. “But he will not be there tomorrow. WE have to be confident and believe in the players who are there and give them my confidence and my trust, and then see what happens tomorrow.”

The Belgian coach also stressed Foster’s massive contribution despite the striker’s recent misfortune. “he’s a very important player,” Broos stated. “Friday also, when you see the previous games, nearly every time [he] scored a goal. He had a very big chance on the line, and they saved it. But he’s a very important player.”

Kick-off is set for 18h00 [SA time] on Tuesday at Mbombela Stadium