Broos Warns Lesotho Will Be A Tough Opponent

Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos is aware that his team faces a crucial challenge ahead of their FIFA World Cup qualifier against Lesotho at the Free State Stadium on Friday. 

The match will be a significant encounter for Bafana, who are currently leading Group C with 13 points after six games. Lesotho, on the other hand, is sitting in fifth position with six points in six games.

“We all know that the next games can be a little bit tough, can maybe be the final step to prepare for the World Cup,” Broos said. 

“So, from our side, we’re excited to play the game tomorrow (on Friday) and try to win it. But the win is not guaranteed because Lesotho is a very tough opponent.  

“So, it will be a tough game, but then when you’re so far ahead already as we are at the moment, we’ll try our best to win on Friday.”

According to Broos, a win against Likuena will put pressure on other teams in the group, particularly Nigeria, who play on Saturday. 

“I think it’s very important for us to win this game to put pressure on the other opponents, and Nigeria is playing on Saturday, so that means we have to take this opportunity with both hands,” Broos emphasized.

This will be the second round match between these two rivals, with Bafana having beaten Likuena 2-0 at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium in March this year. 

Additionally, this will be the second time Bafana are playing in the Free State in these World Cup qualifiers, having beaten Zimbabwe 3-1 at Toyota Stadium last year in June.

Broos recalled the fantastic atmosphere at the stadium during their previous match in Bloemfontein, where they played in front of a big crowd. 

“You know when we played last time here in Bloemfontein, there was a big crowd, and I think it was the first time playing in such a big crowd because the first time I arrived in South Africa, we were playing in front of only 2000 people in a big stadium like FNB Stadium,” he added. 

“It’s not nice to play in front of a few people, and it makes the coach and the players not happy.”

Broos, who helped Bafana Bafana claim the bronze medal in the AFCON 2023 in the Ivory Coast, expressed his desire for the fans to come out in numbers to support Bafana, not just for the Lesotho match but also for the upcoming match against Nigeria on Tuesday. 

“So, the atmosphere in this stadium was fantastic, and it was the beginning because after that, we also played in front of many people in Eastern Cape, Cape Town, and Polokwane,” he said. 

“So, maybe on Friday it must not be fully packed because we are not the hosts, it’s Lesotho who are the hosts even though we’re playing in South Africa.

“But I also wish that against Nigeria, the fans can come in numbers because it’s always good when playing in front of a big crowd in the stadium. 

“The reason why we need the crowd is that sometimes you can face challenges in the game, and with that crowd, it can be easy to overcome those challenges. 

“Let’s hope they are all there to support us, but also on Tuesday, they must come.”