A South African coach, Pitso Mosimane has opened up on his wish for South Africa to get a ticket to the next World Cup to be staged in the United States, Mexico and Canada but will have Nigeria to battle for the spot.
The well-decorated manager believes his country will struggle in making it and will come as a surprise should the Bafana Bafana book a place ahead of the Super Eagles of Nigeria.
He reveals that, qualifying to the World Cup will come as an opportunity for him to coach at that stage, however, in doubt how South Africa can walk over a star-studded Nigeria side to the mundial.
Nigeria, being coached by Portuguese gaffer José Psseiro, have started poorly in the qualifiers, picking up only two points out of six against Lesotho and Zimbabwe in the opening two games leaving their fate of qualifying in their hands.
The three-times CAF Champions League winner insist, Nigeria's poor start is not conclusive to underrate their abilities and the quality of players they have in their folds which will be a catalyst in helping them in gaining the qualification.
“To be honest, I would like to coach in the FIFA World Cup. I do not choose what comes, I would like to go to the World Cup. South Africa wants to qualify, Nigeria wants to qualify," Pitso Mosimane said.
“If you have Chukuweze and the boy (Osimhen) playing for Napoli as your striker, I mean really. That Nigerian team is unbelievable. I saw the draw against Lesotho and Zimbabwe. Okay, its football, it happens. But how can politics between the government and the federation derail the team?" he quizzed.
“Of course, I want South Africa to win because I am South African. But in reality, I think Nigeria has the team (Players). I really would like to go to the World Cup, but it must be a good team that can compete," he concluded.
South Africa lost one against Rwanda and won one against Benin in the November 2023 World Cup Qualifiers and are with three points ahead of Nigeria who have two.
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