Bafana Bafana are gearing up for a crucial pre-AFCON friendly against Zambia, set to ignite the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha this Saturday. Kick-off is at 3pm CAT. This clash serves as a vital opportunity for coach Hugo Broos to fine-tune his squad ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
South Africa secured their spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a successful qualifying campaign, topping Group C. Despite a 0-0 draw against Zimbabwe, Bafana bounced back with a resounding 3-0 victory over Rwanda. Their qualifying journey saw them win five games, draw three, and lose two.
Zambia, under the new guidance of Moses Sichone following Avram Grant's departure, had a less impressive qualifying campaign. Chipolopolo managed three wins and five losses. They are eager to make a statement ahead of AFCON and will be looking for a morale-boosting win against South Africa.
The upcoming friendly has seen some fresh faces called up to the Bafana squad, with Masindi Nemtajela and Keletso Makgalwa receiving their first senior international call-ups. However, some key players from the World Cup qualifying squad, including Relebohile Mofokeng and Siyabonga Ngezana, have been left out.
Coach Hugo Broos has emphasized the importance of this fixture, stating that he is not treating it as just a friendly. He expects his side to perform at their best as they prepare for the challenges of AFCON.
Broos vs. Chiefs: A Never-Ending Saga?
Controversy seems to follow Bafana Bafana, with ongoing debates surrounding player selections. The exclusion of players like Thembinkosi Lorch, Brandon Petersen, and Bradley Grobler has sparked outrage among fans, particularly those supporting Kaizer Chiefs. Social media is abuzz with opinions, with many accusing Broos of having a bias against Chiefs players.
Broos has defended his selections, asserting that he won't be dictated to by public opinion. This has only fueled the fire, with some fans claiming that Broos will never achieve success with South Africa if he continues to disregard their suggestions. The tension between Broos and Kaizer Chiefs fans remains a persistent subplot in the Bafana Bafana narrative. Will this affect team morale heading into the crucial AFCON tournament? Only time will tell.