South Africa coach Hugo Broos has turned up the heat on his squad, insisting they cannot waste the chance in front of them this weekend – www.isagoal.com reports.
With South Africa set to face Lesotho in Bloemfontein on Friday, the Belgian coach wants his players to grab maximum points before Nigeria steps onto the pitch against Rwanda the following day.
According to Goal, Broos underlined how vital it is to strike first in Group C, as the outcome could push the Super Eagles even further behind in the World Cup qualifying race.
“Nigeria is playing on Saturday so that means we have to take this opportunity with both hands,” Broos told journalists in a fiery press conference.
The Bafana Bafana boss emphasized that victory against Lesotho would not only secure momentum but also keep pressure firmly on Nigeria, who are already six points adrift of the leaders.
While technically listed as the away side, South Africa will play in familiar territory since Lesotho host their home matches in South Africa.
Broos believes the fans can be the difference, urging supporters to turn up in numbers and push the team through tense moments.
“You always have weak moments in a game, and then you need that crowd, and let’s hope they are there tomorrow to support us, but also certainly next Tuesday because we will need it,” he said.
Nigeria faces a grueling double-header against Rwanda on September 6 and South Africa on September 9, fixtures that could decide their World Cup destiny.
This article was updated 3 weeks ago
