{"id":32228,"date":"2025-10-14T08:33:07","date_gmt":"2025-10-14T06:33:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/?p=32228"},"modified":"2026-03-12T09:45:58","modified_gmt":"2026-03-12T07:45:58","slug":"hugo-broos-urges-believe-as-bafana-face-rwanda","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/hugo-broos-urges-believe-as-bafana-face-rwanda\/","title":{"rendered":"Hugo Broos Urges South Africans to Believe as Bafana Face Rwanda in Final World Cup Qualifier"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>As the sun sets over Mbombela Stadium this evening, Bafana Bafana\u2019s World Cup dreams will hang in the balance. Head coach Hugo Broos has appealed to the nation to rally behind the team as they face Rwanda in their final 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying clash, a match that could define South Africa\u2019s footballing year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-broos-keeps-faith-despite-setbacks\">Broos Keeps Faith Despite Setbacks<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Speaking at a pre-match press conference in Nelspruit, Broos did not shy away from acknowledging the frustration following Friday\u2019s goalless draw against Zimbabwe. The result left Bafana trailing Group C leaders Benin and needing nothing less than a victory tonight to stay in contention.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>\u201cWe didn\u2019t expect to drop points against Zimbabwe,\u201d Broos admitted. \u201cIt was tough against a very motivated side, but the players have recovered and are mentally ready for Rwanda.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>Despite the setback, the Belgian tactician said the mood in camp has noticeably lifted since the weekend. Training sessions over the past two days have restored his belief that the squad is ready to deliver under pressure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"gaute-166858017\" class=\"gaute-inbetween-content gaute-entity-placement\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;text-align: center;\"><div class=\"gaute-adlabel\">Advertisement<\/div><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1852772760112594\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1852772760112594\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"1819787043\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-renewed-spirit-in-the-camp\">Renewed Spirit in the Camp<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Broos revealed that Saturday\u2019s light session helped the players reset after the disappointment in Durban. \u201cThe atmosphere was completely different from the day before,\u201d he said. \u201cWhat I\u2019ve seen in training gives me confidence that the players are ready to give everything for this match.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The team\u2019s captain has echoed the same sentiment, emphasising unity and focus as Bafana prepare to fight for their World Cup survival. The Mbombela crowd is expected to play a vital role in energising the squad for one last push.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"646\" height=\"680\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/image-71.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-32229\" style=\"width:500px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/image-71.png 646w, https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/image-71-285x300.png 285w, https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/image-71-150x158.png 150w, https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/image-71-450x474.png 450w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 646px) 100vw, 646px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-focus-on-the-task-not-the-scoreboard\">Focus on the Task, Not the Scoreboard<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>With Benin and Nigeria also clashing in a decisive fixture tonight, Broos stressed the importance of staying focused on their own mission. \u201cWe can\u2019t control what happens elsewhere,\u201d he said. \u201cOur job is to win and then hope the football gods are on our side. We believe it\u2019s still possible.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Bafana\u2019s qualification hopes hinge not only on their own result but also on Benin\u2019s performance. A slip-up by the West Africans could open the door for South Africa to snatch top spot, provided they do their part against Rwanda.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"gaute-3285415526\" class=\"gaute-inbetween-content gaute-entity-placement\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;text-align: center;\"><div class=\"gaute-adlabel\">Advertisement<\/div><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1852772760112594\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1852772760112594\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"1819787043\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-we-deserved-more-against-zimbabwe\">\u201cWe Deserved More Against Zimbabwe\u201d<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Broos defended his <a href=\"https:\/\/www.soccerladuma.co.za\/local\/bafana\/hugo-broos-calls-for-belief-as-bafana-bafana-chase-world-cup-dream-against-rwanda\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">team\u2019s display<\/a> in the previous match, insisting that Bafana were simply unlucky not to find the back of the net. \u201cIt wasn\u2019t a bad game. We played well but lacked that bit of luck every team needs,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The veteran coach pointed to Benin\u2019s fortuitous victory over Rwanda as proof of football\u2019s unpredictability. \u201cRwanda were the better side, yet one mistake changed the game completely. That\u2019s football. We just have to stay calm and take our chances.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\"><p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">&#39;\ud835\udddc\ud835\ude01&#39;\ud835\ude00 \ud835\udde1\ud835\uddfc\ud835\ude01 \ud835\udde7\ud835\uddf6\ud835\uddfa\ud835\uddf2 \ud835\udde7\ud835\uddfc \ud835\uddd7\ud835\uddfc\ud835\ude02\ud835\uddef\ud835\ude01 \ud835\udde2\ud835\ude02\ud835\uddff\ud835\ude00\ud835\uddf2\ud835\uddf9\ud835\ude03\ud835\uddf2\ud835\ude00&#39;: \ud835\udddb\ud835\ude02\ud835\uddf4\ud835\uddfc \ud835\uddd5\ud835\uddff\ud835\uddfc\ud835\uddfc\ud835\ude00 <br><br>Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos says that this is not the time to doubt themselves and they are focused on getting the job done when they face Rwanda in a must-win 2026 FIFA World Cup\u2026 <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/KK8M7UVxo0\">pic.twitter.com\/KK8M7UVxo0<\/a><\/p>&mdash; FARPost_ZA (@FARPostZA) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/FARPostZA\/status\/1977968840899174847?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">October 14, 2025<\/a><\/blockquote><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-a-call-for-unity-and-belief\">A Call for Unity and Belief<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Broos\u2019s message was clear and firm \u2014 this is not the time for doubt or division. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>\u201cWe need everyone to believe. Criticism won\u2019t help now; support will,\u201d he urged. \u201cThe players are ready to fight for the country, and I\u2019m sure they will deliver.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>With kick-off set for 18:00 at Mbombela Stadium, Bafana Bafana\u2019s World Cup fate will soon be decided. Victory against Rwanda is non-negotiable, but even then, their destiny may rest on what happens thousands of kilometres away.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"gaute-1099514974\" class=\"gaute-inbetween-content gaute-entity-placement\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;text-align: center;\"><div class=\"gaute-adlabel\">Advertisement<\/div><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1852772760112594\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1852772760112594\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"1819787043\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-bafana-bafana-vs-rwanda-all-eyes-on-mbombela\">Bafana Bafana vs Rwanda: All Eyes on Mbombela<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>As fans prepare to fill the stands in Nelspruit, the message from Hugo Broos remains one of faith and focus. \u201cWe\u2019re ready to win, but we also know it might not be enough,\u201d he said. \u201cLet\u2019s hope the football gods smile upon us tonight.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Whether or not the stars align, Bafana\u2019s resilience will once again be tested, and their dream of reaching the world stage will come down to 90 defining minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\"><p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">It is MD-1 in Mbombela,  and we are working!!!<br><br>2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifier <br>Group C<br><br>\u26bd\ufe0f South Africa \ud83c\uddff\ud83c\udde6 vs \ud83c\uddf7\ud83c\uddfc Rwanda <br>\ud83d\uddd3 14 October 2025<br>\u23f0\ufe0f 18h00 <br>\ud83c\udfdf Mbombela Stadium <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/BafanaPride?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">#BafanaPride<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/flysaa?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">@flysaa<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/SABC_Sport?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">@SABC_Sport<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/HqEsRC1WUG\">pic.twitter.com\/HqEsRC1WUG<\/a><\/p>&mdash; Bafana Bafana (@BafanaBafana) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/BafanaBafana\/status\/1977714217525379074?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">October 13, 2025<\/a><\/blockquote><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Related article: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/what-bafana-bafana-need-reach-world-cup\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Calculators Out: What Bafana Bafana Need to Reach the 2026 FIFA World Cup<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>As the sun sets over Mbombela Stadium this evening, Bafana Bafana\u2019s World Cup dreams will hang in the balance. Head coach Hugo Broos has appealed to the nation to rally behind the team as they face Rwanda in their final 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying clash, a match that could define South Africa\u2019s footballing year.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":8,"featured_media":32230,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"rank_math_focus_keyword":"","rank_math_title":"","rank_math_description":"As the sun sets over Mbombela Stadium this evening, Bafana Bafana\u2019s World Cup dreams will hang in the balance. Head coach Hugo Broos has appealed to the nation...","footnotes":""},"categories":[56,64],"tags":[356,286,11118,11108,288],"class_list":{"0":"post-32228","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-sports","8":"category-sports-news","9":"tag-2026-fifa-world-cup","10":"tag-bafana-bafana","11":"tag-latest-football-news","12":"tag-latest-sports-news","13":"tag-soccer"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/32228","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/8"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=32228"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/32228\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":32231,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/32228\/revisions\/32231"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/32230"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=32228"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=32228"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=32228"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}