Bafana Bafana goalkeeper Ricardo Goss is confident that his side can produce the results needed to secure qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup when they face Rwanda at the Mbombela Stadium in Mbombela on Tuesday.
“I think we are ready for Tuesday, Rwanda. Obviously [we’re] a bit disappointed with the result on Friday, but I think the performance was brilliant. We gave it our all. And I think if we give the same performance on Tuesday, we should get all the points,” said Goss.
The 31-year-old has been a mainstay in the South African squad since 2023, serving as a backup to starting goalkeeper and captain Ronwen Williams.
He has four caps for Bafana Bafana, all of which have come from international friendlies.
Goss has featured in goal for Siwelele in eight of the club’s nine Betway Premiership fixtures this season, and was on the bench for their Carling Knockout loss to Orlando Pirates on Saturday 4 October.
Behind Benin on points and goal difference, South Africa will need to win and for Nigeria to beat Benin or to win by two goals if Benin and Nigeria draw in order to qualify for the World Cup.
Ahead of a must-win game, Goss stated that his teammates are not phased by external pressure.
“I think the coach said in one of his interviews that now it’s out of our hands. We can control what we can control. And I think for every player here in the national team, it’s been about pressure. I think even at your club level, it’s about pressure to win the game. So I don’t think pressure is new to anyone here. And I think we geared up for it, like I said. And I think everybody knows that three points for us is probably enough. Obviously, depending on the other results, how they go. But I think everyone still has a fair shot. I think even Nigeria has a fair shot at it. So does Benin and so do [we].
“So I think pressure, to answer your question, pressure is what we like. And I think for every professional footballer, every game is pressure, pressure, pressure. And we just need to thrive under pressure.”
Goss said Bafana Bafana are eagerly awaiting the fixture, keen to get revenge for their loss to the Wasps in 2023.
“Even in training, you can see there’s a bit of a buzz. Everyone’s excited to get out there and get all the points. With no [disrespect] to Rwanda, you know, but it’s our home game. We know what they did to us there in Rwanda. It was a difficult match for us, and we actually lost. I think it’s the only game we lost, if I’m not mistaken.
“So, look, the boys are actually ready for this game. And I think, yeah, we know what’s at stake. We [are] experienced enough to know that we just need to win our game and let the rest control itself.”
