Lebo Mothiba, sidelined from international duty due to a knee injury, remains a vocal supporter of Bafana Bafana.

Though unable to play in their crucial World Cup qualifier against Nigeria in Uyo this Friday, Mothiba visited the team before their departure, echoing a similar gesture before their 5-0 defeat to France in March 2022.

“We’re a family,” Mothiba, recently departed from Strasbourg in France, emphasized. “We are a family, and we always have to stick together. Even if you are not part of the team, you always have to be there to support them. Just one week ago, I called some of the players and also the coach.”

The match against Nigeria is critical for Bafana Bafana, currently sitting second in Group C with three points. Both teams will vie for three crucial points at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo.

Mothiba expressed strong faith in his teammates, predicting a victory for South Africa. “I’m always positive and I always believe in my teammates,” he declared.

“We have quality players, and I’m confident we are going to win against Nigeria. But we need to work together, give everything on the pitch, stay positive, and play our hearts out.”

A win against Nigeria would significantly improve Bafana Bafana’s chances of topping the group and reaching the 2026 World Cup.

Mothiba’s words serve as a potent reminder of solidarity and belief in the face of adversity as the team prepares for this challenging encounter. Following the Nigeria match, Bafana Bafana will host Zimbabwe at Toyota Stadium on Tuesday.