A former international star has insisted that Bafana Bafana are not going to be an easy opponent in the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
Under the guidance of head coach Hugo Broos, South Africa have become a formidable outfit, registering just six losses in 32 games since the Belgian took over in May 2021.
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Broos' record also comprises 16 wins and 10 draws, which has ultimately seen Bafana break into CAF's top 10 nations, according to FIFA's latest rankings.
Following an impressive third-place finish at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations earlier this year, the South Africans are expected to kick on and qualify for the next World Cup, which will be hosted by three North American countries; the United States of America, Mexico, and Canada.
Standing in their way are their qualifying opponents Rwanda, Lesotho, Zimbabwe, Benin, and Nigeria.
The Super Eagles are arguably the toughest opposition in the group, given that they finished as runners-up at the 2023 AFCON after overcoming Bafana in the semi-finals.
Mutiu Adepoju, an ex-midfielder who won the 1994 AFCON with Nigeria, has now insisted South Africa will be a tough opposition for his country when the two teams meet on 3 June.
"South Africa is not going to be easy, we defeated them in the semi-finals of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations and our women defeated them in the Olympic qualifiers," Adepoju told Hot Sports.
"It's always very tough playing against South Africa, just like playing against Cameroon in the past and even Ghana.
"That's another big opposition. Benin Republic and any team are motivated to play against us.
"What we have to do is try and break them so all the support should be given to the coaches. The players should have that belief that the whole country is behind them."
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