Hugo Broos eyes Lesotho scalp with World Cup qualification in sight

A victory would see South Africa go eight points clear at the top of Group C, with the other group contenders only in action tomorrow.

Speaking ahead of the match, Broos stressed the importance of approaching the fixture with the right mindset.

"We all know that the next two games can maybe, with a little bit of luck, be the final step to qualification for the World Cup, so from our side, we are very motivated to play [today's] game and try to win it," said Broos.

"On the other side, we also know that Lesotho is always a very tough opponent, so it will be a tough game, but again, when you are as far as we are at the moment, you can always do something more, and that is something we will try to do by beating Lesotho.

"I think it's very important that we do that, it will put pressure on the other opponents, and I think Nigeria is playing only on Saturday, so that means we have to take this opportunity with both hands."

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With usual creative midfielders Themba Zwane and Patrick Maswanganyin unavailable due to injuries, Broos was asked about potential concerns regarding replacements, but he expressed confidence in what he has at his disposal.

"What changed with Bafana Bafana, compared to two years ago, is that we have options. I think when such things happen that so many players are not there because of injuries or not playing at their clubs, we should have been in big trouble," he said.

"This is now not the case anymore, we have players – and ok, you can discuss, 'this one is a little better than that one', but I'm not afraid because those players are not there now.

"I see in training with those young, they are so motivated, they give 100 percent, so who will play or start the game [today]? I will not say this one or that one, but I'm very confident."