Hugo Broos: Bafana Bafana must look forward, not argue about who’s at fault for the points deduction

The head coach of South Africa’s Bafana Bafana, Hugo Broos, has called for focus and unity heading into the final round of games in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

FIFA earlier this week ruled that the Bafana Bafana indeed fielded an ineligible player in the clash against Lesotho.

As a result, South Africa forfeited that match, losing the three points earned from that win.

Although this has massively hindered the chances of the Bafana Bafana in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, Hugo Broos believes that all is not lost.

Ahead of the last two matches in the qualifiers, he has stressed the importance of togetherness, insisting that arguing about who is at fault for the points deduction won’t do the Bafana Bafana any good.

“There’s still a World Cup ticket to fight for. Instead of arguing about who is at fault for the points deduction, we must look forward. The players need support, not distraction, because the dream of qualification is still alive,” the veteran coach said.

He continued, “Almost everyone connected to the team shares responsibility. That is why pointing fingers will not help us now. What matters is how we respond in the next matches.

“We still have a bright chance of qualifying. It is in our hands, and with unity and focus, we can make it happen.”

In the October international break, South Africa will take on Zimbabwe and Rwanda to wrap up their qualifiers.