Foster Echoes Broos: Bafana Hold Their Destiny

Bafana Bafana striker Lyle Foster has backed coach Hugo Broos’s belief that the team’s destiny in qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup is firmly in their own hands.

Foster was one of the goalscorers in Bafana Bafana’s comfortable 3-0 victory over Lesotho at Toyota Stadium on Friday. With goals also coming from Mohau Nkota and Oswin Appollis, the team has solidified its top spot in Group C with 16 points after seven matches.

Bafana Bafana now shift their focus to a highly anticipated match against Nigeria on Tuesday at the same venue in Bloemfontein.

A win for Bafana Bafana in this match would bring them significantly closer to securing a qualifying spot for the tournament, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

The Super Eagles of Nigeria moved into third place in Group C with 10 points after beating Rwanda at home on Saturday. In the African qualifiers, only the group winners automatically qualify for the World Cup, while the four best-placed runners-up get a second chance via a play-off round.

Foster on Bafana’s Mindset

“I think we need to focus on what we do,” said Foster, who recently scored for Burnley in a 2-3 loss to Manchester United.

“We are in control of our destiny at the moment. I think we are in the driver’s seat. So, the only ones who can decide if we go through or not in the next three games is us. Not going through is also on us.”

“I think looking at other results doesn’t necessarily bother us,” he added. “Of course, being in football, you look at it and hope for certain things, but at the same time, it’s in our own hands to get the job done, and we can do it that way.”

Foster, who recently celebrated his birthday in camp, insisted that Bafana Bafana are not feeling any pressure as they head into the crucial qualifier against their long-time rivals.

“I don’t necessarily think there’s pressure on us. I think at the moment, we are where we are in the group, and that’s a positive,” said the former Orlando Pirates and Monaco striker.

“I think the pressure is on the guys who are trying to catch us, but that doesn’t mean we should take our foot off the gas.”

“I think we should just have the same mentality, stay steady, keep playing game by game, stay humble, and just like I said, take the game as it comes,” he continued.

“I don’t necessarily think there’s pressure. I think the pressure is on those who are trying to get to us. We’ve had a good start, but the most important thing is to push forward and make sure that we seal it.”