Aubrey Modiba believes South Africa can chase a second Africa Cup of Nations title by carrying the momentum from the national team's notable showing at the 2026 FIFA World Cup into continental competition.
World Cup run fuels AFCON ambition
The Mamelodi Sundowns left-back, a fixture in the squad under coach Hugo Broos, said the team must now lift its standards and set sights on winning AFCON — a trophy South Africa last claimed in 1996. Modiba was part of the group that helped Bafana Bafana reach the last 32 at the World Cup for the first time, a campaign he says can be the foundation for greater success.
Modiba, who was also in the squad that finished third at the 2023 AFCON in Ivory Coast, paid tribute to Broos for the progress the national team made during his tenure. He highlighted the coach’s work in improving South Africa’s standing on the world stage, pointing to an advance in FIFA rankings during Broos’s spell in charge.
“Firstly, I just want to say thank you to him for everything that has done for South African football… I am thankful for everything that has done for me and the whole country. I wish him all the best and like you said a good dancer knows when to leave the stage.”
Modiba, 31, echoed gratitude for Broos’s contribution and acknowledged the timing of the coach’s departure. He framed the transition as part of football’s natural cycle while urging the squad to build on what they achieved together.
Coaching transition and expectations
The South African Football Association’s NEC unanimously backed the expected return of Pitso Mosimane to the Bafana hotseat, signalling a new chapter for the national team. Modiba welcomed the change and said the squad must channel the confidence gained from recent tournaments into results at AFCON.
He was clear that qualifying for and competing in major tournaments remains central to the team’s goals. Modiba argued that reaching semifinal stages and making deeper runs should become the norm, not the exception, and that the country has the talent to aim for continental silverware.
- Achievements under Broos: third place at 2023 AFCON and a first-ever progression to the World Cup last 32.
- Modiba’s immediate priorities: raise standards, qualify for major tournaments and target the AFCON title.
- Coaching change: Broos has left; Mosimane is expected to take over after a unanimous NEC vote.
While Modiba did not set a timeframe for the AFCON push, his remarks underline a sense of belief inside the dressing room that the team can close the long gap since the 1996 success. He said the collective aim should be to normalise competing for continental honours and to reset expectations around what Bafana must deliver.
| Competition | Result involving Modiba |
|---|---|
| 2026 FIFA World Cup | Reached the last 32 (first time) |
| 2023 AFCON (Ivory Coast) | Third place (bronze) |
Modiba also reflected on the trajectory of the national team’s global standing under Broos, referencing the climb in FIFA ranking positions. He described that progress as a “huge milestone” for South African football and thanked the coach for his contributions.
As the national setup prepares for fresh leadership, Modiba’s message was straightforward: the platform has been laid, and now it is time to raise the bar. With Mosimane poised to return and a core of players who have tasted success at AFCON and the World Cup, South Africa will head into the next qualifying cycle with renewed expectation.
For supporters and players alike, the immediate challenge is turning belief into consistency — reaching major tournaments and then going further once there. Modiba made clear he thinks his team is ready to try.
