Bafana Bafana coach unfazed by Zimbabwe threat

Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos says he remains confident despite South Africa's precarious position in the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers, insisting that upcoming opponents Zimbabwe and Rwanda are "not top teams."

South Africa face Zimbabwe on October 10 in Durban, in what has become a must-win encounter following FIFA's decision to dock Bafana Bafana three points and three goals for fielding an ineligible player against Lesotho. The sanction has left Broos' men under pressure to win their final two fixtures to keep their qualification hopes alive.

"You start doubting now because of a tricky situation, yet we are facing Zimbabwe and Rwanda, not Nigeria, Cameroon, or Egypt. These are good teams, yes, but not top teams. So why should we doubt?" Broos told reporters.

Bafana Bafana head into the clash with momentum, having beaten Zimbabwe 3-1 in the reverse fixture. The match will also be played at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban—Zimbabwe's adopted "home" venue after failing to secure a CAF-approved stadium in their own country.

With World Cup dreams hanging in the balance, Broos has urged his squad to remain focused and take maximum points in their final qualifiers.

Benin - 14 points
South Africa - 14 points
Nigeria - 11 points
Rwanda - 11 points
Lesotho - 9 points
Zimbabwe - 4 points