Sundowns legend urges Bafana to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup

Speaking exclusively to SABC Sport, the retired defender says every player wants to be on the big stage where there are more opportunities.

After four rounds of matches, Hugo Broos’ charges are second in Group C behind leaders Rwanda but ahead of Benin – however, all are tied on seven points each. The qualifiers resume in March next year.

"We can never be a force at club level where we are pushing the Champions League rightfully so, both in the boys and the girls. We've got two teams that went through which is quite a big improvement but also we want to play in the World Cup because in the World Cup the whole world is watching,” Ntombela said.

“There's opportunities for players, there's opportunities for coaches and players as well that other clubs in Europe in bigger leagues can look at our players if we qualify for the World Cup.

“So, we are looking forward to get into the qualifies and qualify but that is the immediate one. So, we're just going to be happy if we qualify."

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Ntombela states that Bafana should be applauded as they have brought back the excitement of yesteryears as they are not only winning games, but also dominating them.

"There is a lot of work which has been done which is positive. This excites us because we are not just winning the game but we are totally in control of what we want to do,” he added.

“The way we play and we are very convincing and these are exciting times. Congratulations to all involved and we'd like to thank them because we may have small problems here and there but the biggest thing is that we are still a strong force and we can take ourselves back to where we were before."