South Africa midfielder Teboho Mokoena credits coach Hugo Broos for World Cup qualification

South Africa midfielder Teboho Mokoena has singled coach Hugo Broos out for praise following their qualification to the 2026 World Cup.

The Bafana Bafana, coached by Hugo Broos, booked their place with a convincing 3-0 victory over Rwanda on the final day of the African qualifiers on Tuesday.

The result saw South Africa finish top of their group with 18 points from 10 matches, edging out Benin and Nigeria in one of the tightest qualification races on the continent. The victory sparked widespread celebrations across Johannesburg and other major cities, as fans rejoiced at the team’s return to the global stage.

This qualification ends South Africa’s long wait since their last World Cup appearance in 2010, when they hosted the tournament. They also featured in France 1998 and Korea-Japan 2002, with their best performance being a 17th-place finish.

Mokoena’s ineligibility and the three point deduction sent Bafana Bafana’s campaign in huge doubt. However, the pulsating goalless draw against Zimbabwe in the penultimate qualifier worsened situation for the Bafana Bafana.

The Bafana Bafana’s World Cup qualification was in situation doubt heading into the final match against Rwanda on home turf.

However, Mokoena has credit Hugo Broos for keeping things at ease during the whole process.

“I’m very happy. It was an emotional day, I could feel that we were going to qualify,” Mokoena told artist Arthur Mafokate after the 3-0 over Rwanda on Tuesday night.

“We must give credit to the coach. He’s been so calm the whole week after we drew against Zimbabwe. And honestly, it’s been the toughest six months of my career.”

Their qualification comes at a time when African football is enjoying unprecedented representation. The 2026 World Cup, to be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, will feature an expanded format of 48 teams, giving Africa nine direct slots.

For South Africa, the focus now shifts to preparation and ambition. The team’s immediate target will be to advance beyond the group stage for the first time in their history and make a strong impression at the tournament.