Appollis: Bafana’s eyes on Nigeria, not World Cup, ahead of crucial qualifier

JOHANNESBURG - A ticket to the 2026 FIFA World Cup is within Bafana Bafana’s reach as they gear up for Tuesday’s Group C qualifier against Nigeria at the Free State Stadium.

South Africa top the group following a 3-0 win over neighbours Lesotho on Friday night, and another three points against the Super Eagles would see them participate in a first tournament since hosting it in 2010.

While fans and supporters start looking at flights and accommodation, Bafana forward Oswin Appollis has told Eyewitness News that the players are not thinking that far ahead.

"Obviously, it’s in all of our minds, going into the game, but we know it’s going to be very difficult, so we don’t want to think about that now," he said on Saturday. "The most important thing is how to be successful on Tuesday and how we can overcome the opponents we are facing."

Nigeria are third in the group following a 1-0 win over Rwanda at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium on Saturday. There is an injury concern for them after Victor Osimhen was substituted off in the first half of the game in Uyo with a left foot problem.

Even without him, Appollis is aware that the three-time Africa Cup of Nations winners possess threats all over the park.

"They have so much talent playing in Europe," the Orlando Pirates man reflected.

"I think 95 or 100% of the squad all play in Europe. They are very talented players, players that have won trophies, players that play in the Premier League. It’s motivation for us as South Africa to play against these big teams."

South Africa have also been forced into a squad reshuffle with Kaizer Chiefs’ Thabiso Monyane replacing the injured Nyiko Mobbie.

Mobbie was rushed to hospital on Friday night after being forced off in the first half with a facial injury. He subsequently underwent surgery on Saturday morning after sustaining a fracture of the eye socket in three places.

Monyane joins Sipho Mbule and Thabiso Moloisane in being called up last minute, but Appollis believes that the unity and camaraderie in the team makes it easy for the new faces to fit in.

"It’s a very talented group," the former Polokwane City man said of a side that features young stars such as Relebogile Mofokeng, Mduduzi Shabalala and Mohau Nkota.

"If you look at last night [against Lesotho], there are some players who just came into the squad but it’s like they have been here for a very long time. I am very happy that the group is always united and helping each other so that everyone can be on their A game. That is what makes this group so special. We are always a unit and we always stay together."

Hugo Broos has been lauded for improving South Africa’s fortunes and re-establishing them as a powerhouse on the African continent.

He led the team to a third-place finish at the last AFCON and has them on the verge of a first World Cup qualification since 2002. 

But if South Africa do secure passage to the football festival in the United States and Mexico in 2026, it will the last dance for the Belgian coach.

The 76-year-old has already confirmed that he will retire from coaching after his deal with the South African Football Association comes to an end next year.

Speaking on the man who has created "Broos ball" and brought fans back to the stadium, Appollis said the coach not only had an impact on him on the field, but off it as well.

"He is an amazing person," the 24-year-old gushed about Broos. "The first day I met him, he was calm and quiet and the more I came to Bafana I realised that he is not just a good coach but a good person. He is always willing to help the next person and South African’s should be grateful to have a coach like Hugo because he is an amazing person."