Broos unfazed by Lesotho's 'nonsense' complaint ahead of World Cup qualifier

BLOEMFONTEIN - Hugo Broos insists he has no time for the 'nonsense' that has overshadowed the buildup to Bafana Bafana’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Lesotho at the Free State Stadium tonight.

The two sides clash in the 7th round of Group C CAF qualifying amid a backdrop of Likuena threatening to play the clash under protest should Tebogo Mokoena be selected.

Lesotho remain aggrieved at Mokoena possibly being ineligible for the clash between the two nations earlier this year, an encounter South Africa won 2-0.

“I will tell you that I'm not used to react to nonsense and I will not do it today,” the Belgian coach said about the media reports.

As for the game itself, Broos will be looking to blood in youngsters after injuries and a lack of form ruled out some of his stalwarts, including Themba Zwane, Patrick Maswanganyi, and Percy Tau.

In their place, the likes of Sipho Mbule, Mduduzi Shabalala and Kamogelo Sebelebele will look to impress.

“What changed with Bafana Bafana compared to two years ago is that we have options,” he said ofthe growth in player options available to him.

"I think when such things happened, that so many players are not available because of injuries and not playing at their club, we would have been in big trouble but that is not the case anymore. We have players, and yes you can discuss that this one is a little bit better than this one… but I am not afraid, because those players are not there now.

I see what I saw, or I saw what I see in training so with those young guys. They are so motivated, they give 100%. So tomorrow, who will play or who will start the game, I will not be shaking on the bench. I am very confident."

Qualifying for the tournament, which takes place in the United States of America and Mexico in 2026, will be a full circle moment for Broos, who was part of the Belgium team that finished in fourth place at the 1986 FIFA World Cup.

“It will be 40 years next year that I played in the World Championship in Mexico as a player and it will be fantastic to do it as a trainer 40 years later. I’ve said it already before, this is my last job as a coach. I am 73 and I’m not going on until I’m 80.

It would be a nice moment to stop. I am really motivated, and also my team, to achieve that. When you have a career like that, I don’t think a lot of coaches have the opportunity to do that, I think it would be the right opportunity to stop.”

Despite his desire for one more World Cup appearance, Broos is keen for Bafana to keep their eye on the prize, and focus on their next game.

South Africa are top of group C on 13 points, 5 clear of second-place Rwanda. Along with a clash against their neighbors on Friday, they face off against Nigeria on Tuesday.

“We all know the next two games could, with a bit of luck, be the final step towards qualifying for the World Cup,” Broos said about the current international break.

“We're very motivated to play on Friday and to win. But we also know Lesotho are always a tough opponent. Still, we’ve come this far, and we believe we can push even harder tomorrow. It’s very important that we take this chance. By winning on Friday, we can put pressure on our rivals.

Nigeria only play on Saturday, so we have to grab thisopportunity with both hands."

The last time South Africa played in Bloemfontein, it was a sold-out affair as they ran out 3-1 winners over Zimbabwe.

Captain Ronwen Williams is hoping that the fans can once again prove to be Bafana’s 12th man as they seek a vital three points to edge them closer to playing a first World Cup since hosting the event in 2010.

“Yeah, it's obviously nice coming here again. We know the crowd can be that extra motivation,” said Williams.

“We've got good memories of playing here last June, when we beat Zimbabwe. So hopefully the crowd can come out once again, be that extra motivation, and give us the energy we need for these two massive games. Two positive results in this group can put one foot on the plane to America. We're excited to be back here, we’re happy, and we’re looking forward to doing the business on Friday.”