Bafana Bafana attacker Oswin Appollis has issued a warning ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against neighbours Lesotho, taking place in the vicinity where he plays club football.
Hugo Broos' men are hard at work preparing for two upcoming World Cup qualifiers, the first being against Lesotho at New Peter Mokaba Stadium on Human Rights Day, 21 March.
That will be followed by a clash against Benin in Ivory Coast four days later.
A 23-man squad reported for camp on Monday in Polokwane.
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Appollis, who was one of the standout payers during Bafana's 2025 AFCON qualifying campaign, has warned against underestimating the inland nation with a tiny population of about 2.3 million people.
"It's going to be very difficult game. Lesotho is a hard-running team, with lots of fighters," Appollis told SAFA media.
"Our preparations have gone well. So, it's going to be a difficult game, but as South Africa, we are always ready to put in the work and fight hard for the team.
"The mood in camp has been amazing, the boys are ready for Friday and you can see the excitement from the guys for Friday.
"As we know, the coach always tells us, everyone wants to beat South Africa now. Everybody comes guns blazing.
"It won't be an easy game, but if we prepare well, as we have prepared well, we can get a positive result if we put in the hard work," added the pint-sized winger.
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Bafana are in second place behind Rwanda in Group C after two wins, a draw and a defeat from their four matches so far.
Kick-off is at 18:00.