Former Bafana Bafana defender, Tsepo Masilela, has expressed confidence that South Africa will nonetheless qualify as Group C winners within the ongoing 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, putting his religion within the Tremendous Eagles of Nigeria to ship towards Benin Republic.
Masilela, who was a part of the golden technology that represented South Africa on the 2010 FIFA World Cup, mentioned he stays optimistic regardless of Bafana Bafana’s latest 1–1 draw with Zimbabwe.
Talking in Johannesburg, the previous Kaizer Chiefs full-back famous that whereas the draw was disappointing, there may be nonetheless each motive to consider that outcomes will go their means as soon as the ultimate spherical of matches is performed.
“I’m not panicking in any respect,” Masilela acknowledged confidently. “Nigeria is an enormous soccer nation, and I belief they’ll do their job towards Benin Republic.
They’ve high quality gamers, and I consider they received’t go down simply. As soon as they get a win, we’ll handle enterprise in our personal recreation — and that must be sufficient to see us via.”
The veteran defender urged South Africa’s gamers to give attention to securing their very own victory moderately than worrying about different outcomes however admitted that every one eyes will nonetheless be on Nigeria’s conflict in Uyo.
“It’s easy — win your recreation, and let Nigeria deal with theirs. I consider each groups can come out profitable,” he mentioned.
Masilela’s religion within the Tremendous Eagles echoes a rising sentiment amongst South African supporters who see Nigeria’s potential win over Benin Republic as pivotal to Bafana Bafana’s qualification probabilities.
With only one matchday remaining, the race for the highest spot in Group C stays vast open — and Masilela insists South Africa’s future, although sophisticated, continues to be inside attain.
