We need to give Bafana Bafana a chance - Siphiwe Tshabalala

Bafana Bafana play their opening game in the 2026 FIFA World Cup today against Benin at the Moses Mabhida stadium and a win will see them taking an early lead in Group C.

Looking at the recent results, Tshabalala says this team has done some positive work that needs to be recognized including the head coach Hugo Broos.

"I think we should give them a chance, everyone deserves a chance. I'm sure when I was called up for the first time no one believed in me, no one gave me a chance but there are those that believed in me and they gave me a chance," Tshabalala said.

"We've got good players that are doing well and I do believe that we also need to give the coach a chance. Give him space to do his work. I think he knows what he's doing and players as well, they must just fight for him. Fight for the country. There's a lot at stake.

"When you are playing for the national team, you do not only represent your team or your family. You are an ambassador of our country. Therefore it's important that you perform, you do your best."

In Group C, Bafana Bafana are up against Benin, Rwanda, Nigeria, Lesotho, and Zimbabwe and this week has already shown how tight this group is going to be, with only one team guaranteed qualification. 

Tshabalala, who counts 90 international caps for Bafana and 12 goals says the nation affirms its confidence in this team, the expectation is also to see consistency from them.

"So far it looks like we are heading to the right direction. It's slow strides but I see a little bit of progress and for us to get there we just need to rally behind them. They must also show consistency."

READ: Hugo Broos weighs in on goal difference in FIFA World Cup qualifiers