Head coach of South Africa, Hugo Broos, has insisted that his team deserves to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.
Bafana Bafana were on the end of a three-point deduction from FIFA last week, for fielding Teboho Mokoena in the qualifier against Lesotho in March 2025.
Mokoena was ineligible for the game, having picked up two yellows.
FIFA’s ruling leaves South Africa in second place behind Benin Republic and just ahead of Nigeria.
Broos’ men will face Zimbabwe and Rwanda in their final two qualifying fixtures as they seek to play at next year’s tournament.
“There are no doubts, there have never been any doubts from my side, and I will try to transfer this to the players at a meeting we will have on Tuesday,” Broos said (via safa.net).
“I believe in this group and I am sure that they will do everything in their power to win that game on Friday.
“Why should we doubt ourselves now after our performances in the qualifiers? If there is a team that deserves to go to the World Cup, it is South Africa.”