‘WE DESERVE IT’

THABANG Matuludi was only two years old the last time Bafana Bafana secured their ticket to the World Cup through the qualifiers, in 2002 - which is why he is thrilled to be part of the span that could make history next Tuesday.

Bafana are not far off from sealing their ticket to the 2026 global showpiece – currently second in Group C, with Benin having a better goal difference. 

Coach Hugo Broos’ manne therefore have to beat Zimbabwe and Rwanda convincingly in their final two qualifiers – in Durban tomorrow, and in Mbombela next Tuesday – to boost their chances of finishing top of the group.

Broos, though, is confident that they will do so and said earlier in the week: “I believe in this group and I am sure that they will do everything in their power to win on Friday. Why should we doubt ourselves now after our performances in the qualifiers? If there is a team that deserves to go to the World Cup, it is South Africa.”

That will be music to the ears of right-back Matuludi, 26,  who is looking forward to getting onto the pitch for Bafana, after shaking off a long-term injury. 

Matuludi said: “I’ve fully recovered. I think this opportunity I’ve been given [to rejoin the national team] is a huge moment for my career.”