There’s no denying that the success of Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates has been one of the biggest reasons behind Bafana Bafana’s qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
When Hugo Broos took over from Molefi Ntseki in 2021, the national team was struggling and had even failed to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations. The Belgian coach narrowly missed out on the 2022 World Cup but earned praise for his bravery in trusting young players.
A heavy 5-0 defeat to France in an international friendly that same year raised questions about his future. Yet, that period also marked the beginning of a transformation which one could argue it was heavily influenced by the tactical brilliance of Rulani Mokwena at Sundowns.
By 2023, most of Broos’ Bafana squad consisted of Sundowns players. Khuliso Mudau had replaced Nyiko Mobbie at right-back, while Aubrey Modiba made the left-back position his own. In midfield, Teboho Mokoena, who had joined Sundowns from SuperSport United a year earlier, became the heartbeat of the national side.
At the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, Bafana reached the semi-finals for the first time in more than 20 years. Mokwena was widely credited for developing players like Grant Kekana and Mothobi Mvala, who formed a rock-solid defensive partnership throughout the tournament.
Sundowns players carried Bafana until…
Meanwhile, across Soweto, Jose Riveiro’s Orlando Pirates were also shaping the national team’s resurgence. Under the Spaniard, Pirates won five trophies in five seasons, and in his last campaign, his former players began to shine even brighter on the continental stage; reaching the CAF Champions League semi-finals.
Riveiro’s trust in youth paid off, with Mohau Nkota, Relebohile Mofokeng, and Mbekezeli Mbokazi all breaking through and earning Bafana call-ups before turning 21. He also revitalised Nkosinathi Sibisi, Thalente Mbatha, and Evidence Makgopa, whose performances proved crucial in securing South Africa’s long-awaited World Cup qualification.
Ultimately, Broos’ success is as much a reflection of his coaching evolution as it is of the club systems built by Mokwena and Riveiro. The two tacticians may not be coaching in SA anymore but their philosophies have shaped the new face of Bafana Bafana.