Former Bafana Bafana midfielder Brent Carelse has hailed the national
team’s qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, attributing the historic
success to the vision and steadfast approach of coach Hugo Broos.
Bafana’s 3-0 victory over Rwanda sealed their return to the global showpiece
for the first time since 2010, and their first via the qualification route
since 2002. For Carelse, this moment has been a long time coming.
“I think congratulations to the team. The entire team. It’s a long time
coming and it also shows that South African football is up here,” Carelse
told PSLSA in an exclusive interview. “Congratulations definitely to the
boys. Yeah, I am really excited.”
When asked to pinpoint the key to success in a tough group that included
rivals Nigeria, Carelse was unequivocal: the appointment of Hugo Broos.
“I think the hiring of Hugo Broos and also what he wanted the first time
when he came to the country,” Carelse stated. “I think he stuck with that. I
was also excited when he came and he said he wanted the young players, and I
think that shows… That’s where the coach put his foot down and he said
this is what I want and I am happy with that.”
Carelse also expressed his delight at the development of the squad’s younger
players, noting that the time between now and the World Cup will only add to
their valuable experience.
“Yeah, definitely, he must have a balance of the two,” he observed. “The
young ones who are there now will have more caps, more experience. The more
they play, the better. I am just happy for them to make us qualify for the
World Cup and also them showing us how good they are.”
Bafana Bafana finished at the summit of Group C, finishing ahead of Nigeria
who secured second place despite their 4-0 win over Benin.
