South African national team will require at least four points from their two games with Zimbabwe as well as Ghana in their 2022 World Cup qualifiers starting from today for them to edge the Black Sars make it to the play-offs next year.
Bafana have enjoyed a remarkable run through the group stage to date.
They're on top of the standings for group G having a total of 10 points thanks to a double victory over Ethiopia as well as a single victory against Ghana in addition to a draw against Zimbabwe far from their home.
However, they'll be aware that they're not completely home and dry now - particularly when they have their fellow Black Stars breathing down their necks. Ghana is second in the table with nine points. They'll have to play their hearts out in their two games and pray that Bafana's performance isn't too bad as well.
Bafana, however they do not appear to be over-whelmed by the pressure to meet. They know that it will be difficult to make it to the top and move on to the next stage of qualifiers, which will be just two games away from qualifying for the world event.
Perhaps the most important thing is that the credit should be given at head coach Hugo Broos. This Belgian coach is silenced his critics for the moment. He's accomplished that feat admirably by sticking to the top players, and getting positive results too.
It's important to mention that these aren't ordinary players. This is a team that was selected from nearly all of the 16 teams that are that are in the top division - as Broos would like players to be a force for the national team during his five-year run.
Before he accepted the job, even though he wasn't being the initial choice, Broos made it clear that he would like to build the team. He asked for patience, as he wants to meet the players off and on the field as well.
He's so far set a solid foundation, since his team has responded to his game plan. Bafana do not play the most attractive football however they can make the difficult yards: move the ball to the last third, create chances and score.
Kudos must also be given to goalkeeper and skipper Ronwen Williams who's led from the front. Despite the responsibility of being one of the top athletes, Williams has had stellar performances - only conceding once in the first half after making vital stops.
As many times as he may have shut the backdoor Bafana has to ensure that they keep pushing the ball into the goal. This won't be easy due to the fact it is the case that Zimbabwe as well as Ghana have two sides who know each other and the South Africans very well.
A majority of the players of Zimbabwe's Zimbabwean National team competing in the local top-flight and have played previously or want to play in the near future. Ghana beat Bafana at home in the past. This was during the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.