Nees Lauds Broos for Revamping Bafana Bafana's Performance

Zimbabwe head coach Michael Nees commends Bafana Bafana's Hugo Broos for significant improvements.

Nees made these remarks ahead of Zimbabwe’s FIFA World Cup qualifier against Bafana Bafana at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Friday at 18:00, a crucial fixture for South Africa.

With only four points from eight matches in Group C, Zimbabwe’s chances of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in USA, Canada, and Mexico have ended.

In contrast, Bafana Bafana currently holds second place in the group with 14 points, tied with Benin, the group leaders, due to South Africa's loss of three points for fielding an ineligible player, Teboho Mokoena, in a qualifier against Lesotho in March.

Thanks to a FIFA ruling, that match was awarded 3-0 to Lesotho, causing Bafana to drop from first to second place.

Thus, Broos's side must secure wins in their remaining matches — including the game against Rwanda at the Mbombela Stadium on Tuesday at 18:00 — while hoping that Benin drops points to maintain World Cup aspirations.

“Managing football in South Africa presents its challenges,” Nees remarked.

Upon taking the helm in May 2021, Broos faced a Bafana Bafana team that had unsuccessfully sought qualification for the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations. He boldly stated he'd resign if the team failed to qualify for the next AFCON.

Not only did he lead them to qualification, but he also propelled Bafana to a third-place finish at the 2023 AFCON in the Ivory Coast last year, marking their first podium finish in 24 years.

“Since AFCON, there’s been a turnaround,” Nees added. “While it’s hard to pinpoint changes from afar, the coach undeniably carries significant responsibility.

“He leads the team, and we fully respect that. Friday's match is sure to be very interesting.”

In the African qualifiers, only group winners will qualify automatically for the 2026 World Cup, while the four best runners-up will face a second chance in the CAF play-off round.