South Africa go into the match as firm favourites, aiming to maintain their strong form in Group C as they push to qualify for their first FIFA World Cup since hosting the tournament in 2010. 

While Lesotho are ranked significantly lower than South Africa, they have proven to be a side capable of punching above their weight, making them a potential stumbling block for Bafana. The team from the Mountain Kingdom has already caused an upset in Group C when they played to a draw against the Super Eagles in Nigeria.

The Polokwane-based winger Oswin Appollis said they have been putting the hard yard and he feels through the hard work they will secure a positive result. 

“You know, it’s going to be a tough game – Lesotho are a hard-running team with a lot of fighters,” said Appollis. “Our preparation has gone well, and we know it won’t be easy. But as South Africans, we are always ready to put in the work, run hard, and fight for the team.

“The mood in the camp has been amazing – the boys are ready for Friday. You can see the excitement.

Oswin Appollis. Photo: Johan Pretorius

“As the coach always reminds us, everyone wants to beat South Africa now. Opponents come at us with all guns blazing, so we expect a real battle. But we’ve prepared well and believe we can get a positive result because of the hard work we’ve put in.

Appollis added that throughout their campaign they’ve enjoyed tremendous support, and he believes that it will be more of the same at the 2010 FIFA World Cup venue. “I think everywhere we’ve played in recent months, the fans have come out in numbers, and I have no doubt that Polokwane will do the same on Friday night.”

Friday night’s qualifier between South Africa and Lesotho at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane kicks off at 18:00.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek mvh