This month, Hugo Broos starts his campaign to lead South Africa to a World Cup for the first time since hosting the tournament in 2010.
South Africa vs Benin
2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifier
Saturday, 18 November – 15:00
Moses Mabhida Stadium
South Africa
Hugo Broos will be under the spotlight as he aims to get Bafana Bafana to the most prestigious tournament in the world. South Africa have been drawn into Group C alongside Benin, Lesotho, Nigeria, Rwanda, and Zimbabwe.
It has been a longtime coming since South Africa made an appearance at a World Cup, but its exciting times as Bafana Bafana arguably have the best squad available since the 1996 team that won the AFCON. Broos’ men are currently unbeaten in 11 successive games, winning six and drawing five, with the run stretching back to June 2022 when they lost in Morocco.
The Belgian tactician has definitely improved Bafana Bafana despite the ill treatment they receive. It is absolutely vital that Broos finds the right combinations and works on the team’s chemistry going into these World Cup Qualifiers as a more cohesive team is more likely to succeed.
The first two games for Hugo Broos and his men against Benin and Rwanda will be crucial and are expected to come away with six points to put pressure on the other teams in the group. There is no turning back and the time is now for Bafana Bafana to showcase their talent and prove to the nation that they deserve a place at the World Cup.
With AFCON on the horizon, there is competition in the Bafana Bafana squad to go to Ivory Coast. These World Cup Qualifiers is an opportunity for players to raise their hands and impress the Belgian as they look to cement their places ahead of the AFCON finals taking place early next year.
To Win Match
Bafana 6/10 | Draw 5/2 | Benin 46/10
Benin
Benin head to South African shores to kick-off their World Cup Qualifiers and are looking to get off to a good start after failing to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations. The West African nation will need to let go of past results and focus on the here and now if they look to make progress in Group C.
Gernot Rohr the head coach of Benin, accepted his responsibility to lead the Benin national team on the 14 February early this year and are yet to register a victory in the nine months he has been in charge. With that being said, Benin boasts a squad full of European-based players which will help the squad compete at the highest level.
The West Africans key to success against Bafana Bafana will be a balanced approach that combines a solid defence with well-timed counter attacks. The most notable players to look out for and will be called upon is Cedric Hountondji, who is commander and chief in the defence and Steve Mounie who applies his trade for Ligue 1 outfit Stade Brestois. Mounie is The Cheetahs second highest goal scorer and will need to use his experience and goal scoring ability to capitalize on any scoring opportunities in the final third.
The German tactician Gernot Rohr will meet Hugo Broos for third time, with Rohr winning one and drawing the other previous encounters against the Belgian. This record will not only inspire but also motivate Rohr to go for the win against Bafana Bafana.
Verdict: South Africa – 6/10
Football is a dynamic sport, and anything can happen on the day. Bafana Bafana come into this fixture a more polished outfit and with home ground advantage, I see Bafana getting off to a good start and claiming their first three points before taking on Rwanda.
