World Cup ticket would be sweeter with win against Nigeria – South Africa GK
Bafana Bafana goalkeeper Sipho Chaine says securing qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup would be even more memorable if South Africa confirm their place by beating Nigeria in Tuesday’s crunch qualifier.
Chaine, who plays for Orlando Pirates but serves as understudy to first-choice Ronwen Williams, emphasised the weight of the upcoming clash in Bloemfontein.
“We just realise how big it is for ourselves as a nation to qualify for the World Cup,” Chaine told Eyewitness News.
“2010 was our last World Cup, and to qualify again has taken too long. Even the coach spoke about it, the fact that it would be the first in 20-odd years makes it extra special.
“For us as football players, we’re just focused on the game that is coming up. It’s a 90-minute game that means a lot, but when you break it down, you simply have to win the game.”
South Africa sit top of Group C after four consecutive wins, and victory against the Super Eagles would seal their first World Cup ticket since 2010.
Nigeria, meanwhile, revived their hopes with a 1-0 win over Rwanda at the weekend and are desperate to stay in contention for a return to the finals after missing Qatar 2022.
