As Bafana Bafana set to face Lesotho in the World Cup match qualifier at New Peter Mokaba Stadium on Friday evening (18:00), coach Hugo Broos has opened up about their ambitions to be in the World Cup next year.

Broos’ side, who will face Lesotho at the sold-out game, has participated in three World Cup competitions: in 1998, 2002, and also in 2010 where South Africa was the host. 

Although Bafana has played three times in the World Cup, they have never reached the knockout stages.

Speaking ahead of their game against Likuena, Broos revealed that everyone within the club has ambitions of going to the World Cup and they need to work hard to achieve their dreams. 

“What I can tell you is that nobody in this group is not willing to go to the World Cup next year,” Broos said.

“So, the motivation is totally different, we are also at a level higher than if we can compare with two years ago; we became a good team.

“But as I said, we have to stay humble because we know that we still have to work a lot. There will be no gifts from nobody, and against Lesotho even if we don’t beat them – but to play good football and even a draw will be better.”

Bafana still have a chance to qualify for the World Cup as they are lying in the second spot with seven points in Group C. A team that will top the log will automatically qualify for the World Cup, while the one that will finish in second place still needs to play with other nations finished in position number two in their groups.

Meanwhile, the Bafana captain Ronwen Williams added that how players like Sphephelo Sithole are helping the national team even though they are not in the club due to injuries. 

“We know it’s a big week for us; big two games coming up,” added.

“The mood in the camp has been good. If you see the training, intensity, and mentality we’ve had in the last few days – you can see how serious we were.

“Unfortunately, some of the guys that have been always here are out injured, but just to show how special this group is – all of them sent messages and we even received a message from Yaya (Sphephelo) Sithole wishing us all the best.

“We’ve come along as a team, so we are looking forward to the game and we are excited. Hopefully, the fans will come out and play that extra motivation like they’ve been over the last few months.

“I think that helps and just to unite the country again. This is a new year, let’s hold on to the performances that we had last year and keep Bafana Bafana in the great heights.”