Bafana Bafana’s quest for W/Cup glory: Broos backs EPL, PSL stars to shine against Lesotho

It is matchday 7 and South Africa’s football faithful are buzzing with anticipation. Bafana Bafana, under the stewardship of head coach Hugo Broos, are two matches away from securing a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, a feat not achieved since 2010. This Friday, they face Lesotho at Dr Molemela Stadium in a crucial qualifier, with Broos banking on a potential mix of English Premier League stars and Premier Soccer League grit. Leading the charge are Burnley’s Lyle Foster, Orlando Pirates’ teenage sensation Mbekezeli Mbokazi, and the resurgent Sipho Mbule. For a nation hungry for international success, this match is a stepping stone to greatness, and the trio’s performances could define Bafana’s path to the global stage.

A crucial moment for Bafana

South Africa lead Group C in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers with 13 points from six matches, five points clear of Rwanda and Benin, while Lesotho, with six points, are a distant threat but not to be underestimated. Hugo Broos, the Belgian tactician who masterminded Cameroon’s 2017 Africa Cup of Nations triumph, has instilled a steely resolve in his squad, warning against complacency: “Don’t think Friday’s match against Lesotho will be easy, just by looking at the rankings and saying ‘who’s Lesotho?’” A win here, followed by a positive result against Nigeria on September 9, could all but seal Bafana’s ticket to the World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, igniting dreams of a historic return to football’s grandest stage.

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Lyle Foster

Lyle Foster, the 25-year-old Burnley striker, is South Africa’s pride in the English Premier League, and his return to the national team after a mental health hiatus has fans dreaming big. Known for his physicality, clinical finishing, and ability to hold up play, Foster is the linchpin of Broos’ attacking strategy, complemented by PSL stars like Kamogelo Sebelebele and Iqraam Rayners. His recent displays in the EFL Championship show he’s in form, and Broos is counting on him to breach Lesotho’s resolute defense. “Lyle is a player who can make a difference,” Broos said, and with a nation’s hopes resting on his shoulders, Foster’s performance could be the key to unlocking victory.

Mbekezeli Mbokazi

At just 19, Orlando Pirates’ central defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi has taken South African football by storm, rising from a makeshift solution to a Bafana Bafana regular and Pirates vice-captain. Broos, a veteran of African football, is effusive in his praise: “For the four years I am here, I never saw a defender like this, and young.” Mbokazi’s confidence, strength, and technical ability shone in his international debut against Mozambique, and his composure against top PSL attackers like Iqraam Rayners has marked him as a future star. Tasked with neutralizing Lesotho’s counter-attacks, Mbokazi’s fearless defending could solidify Bafana’s backline and pave the way for a move to Europe next year.

Sipho Mbule

Orlando Pirates’ midfielder Sipho Mbule, 27, is the wildcard in Broos’ squad, earning a surprise call-up after years of unfulfilled potential due to disciplinary issues and inconsistent form. With injuries sidelining key players like Patrick Maswanganyi and Ime Okon, Broos sees Mbule’s vision and passing as vital to filling the creative void left by veterans like Themba Zwane. “Sipho Mbule is the right player,” Broos said, promising a candid chat to set expectations. Against Lesotho, Mbule has a golden opportunity to silence his critics and prove he can be the playmaker Bafana need, making his redemption arc one of the most compelling narratives of this qualifier.

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What’s at stake in the match against Lesotho

Despite being played in Bloemfontein due to Lesotho’s lack of a CAF-approved stadium, this “home” game for Lesotho presents unique challenges, compounded by a last-minute venue switch to Dr Molemela Stadium after the Free State Stadium’s pitch was deemed subpar. Broos called this camp “one of the most difficult preparations” but remains confident in his squad’s quality, urging them to “play the way you play in your clubs.” Lesotho’s resilience demands respect, but Bafana’s 5-0 rout of Congo last year shows their potential when firing on all cylinders, with the looming Nigeria clash adding further stakes to a campaign that could define South African football’s future.

Conclusion

For South African fans, the prospect of Bafana Bafana returning to the World Cup is a dream within reach, fueled by the emergence of Mbokazi, Foster’s proven quality, and Mbule’s potential resurgence. Broos’ faith in his players is unwavering, and his message resonates: “There’s no better motivation than knowing you could go to the World Cup.” As the whistle blows at Dr Molemela Stadium, all eyes will be on Foster’s finishing, Mbokazi’s defensive steel, and Mbule’s creative spark. This is more than a match, it’s a chance to begin a new chapter in Bafana’s storied history, with a nation united behind their quest for glory.