Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos says his side has: “turned the button” and is mentally ready for Tuesday night’s crucial World Cup qualifier against Rwanda at Mbombela Stadium.

The fixture marks South Africa’s final match of the qualifying campaign, with Broos’s men still in contention for a place at the global showpiece. They remain second in their group, two points behind leaders Benin, and must beat Rwanda while hoping Nigeria defeat Benin at home to secure qualification.

Broos said his team had shaken off the frustration of Friday’s goalless draw with Zimbabwe in Durban and rediscovered its fighting spirit. “We are back mentally and that is very important,” he said. “The qualities didn’t disappear with the draw against Zimbabwe. The team spirit and belief are there again, and tomorrow we will fight for it.”

Captain Ronwen Williams shared the coach’s optimism, saying training sessions since the draw had shown renewed focus and intensity. “We were a bit down, but the coach told us we had 24 hours to clean that feeling out,” Williams said. “The boys mean business. We still believe we can make history tomorrow, and the mindset is good.”

Rwanda, already out of contention, will use the match to test new players. Coach Adel Amrouche said: “We want to give other players time to play because this is a good game for them against a very good team.”