Bafana Bafana keeper promises to secure World Cup berth

Inspired Bafana Bafana keeper Veli Mothwa promises to seal a spot at the upcoming FIFA World Cup as they get their qualifiers underway.

Mothwa says their failure to book a spot in Qatar last year is behind them and they are now focusing on doing the job this time.

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The AmaZulu skipper is with Bafana as they meet Benin at Moses Mabhida Stadium this weekend – the keeper promises to book a spot at the tournament.

Mothwa adds that coach Hugo Broos has built a solid team that is determined to seal a World Cup berth.

INSPIRED BAFANA BAFANA KEEPER PROMISES TO SECURE WORLD CUP BERTH

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Having been part of the Bafana squad that failed to make it to Qatar 2022, narrowly losing their final group stage match to the Black Stars of Ghana in controversial circumstances, Mothwa vows they will do better this time.

“We are determined. If you take a look at the group of players now, most of us were there and felt the pain of not making it to the World Cup (in 2022),” said Mothwa.

“This time it’s different, we know who we are and what we can do and come 2026 we will be there. I have no doubt in my mind about that, I believe that.’

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Meanwhile, The South African also reported that the 2026 FIFA World Cup is extended as there are more places than ever available to African teams.

However, Mothwa admits that there is pressure on Broos and Bafana as they look to return to the global stage since hosting the tournament in 2010.

MOTHWA ON PRESSURE IN WORLD CUP QUALIFIERS

The Usutu number one keeper adds that there is a lot of pressure on the former African champions ahead of the two matches versus Benin and Rwanda.

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“There’s a lot of pressure on the national team. It’s about winning the first two games (against Benin and Rwanda) and not just performing well, but walking away from the games victorious,’ adds the keeper.

“These games are not friendlies, these games determine so much and require so much from us as well. So we have to apply ourselves in every aspect, mentally and physically.

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“Some of us come from back-to-back games in our league and continental competitions, so there’s a delicate balance when it comes to sufficient rest as well.”