Bafana Bafana
By Lerato Mpembe
The South African Football Association (SAFA) has officially announced that Bafana Bafana will face Uganda in a crucial Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 qualifier on Friday, 06 September 2024. The match is set to take place at Orlando Stadium in Soweto, Johannesburg, with kick-off scheduled for 18h00. This highly anticipated fixture is expected to draw significant attention as Bafana Bafana looks to secure their spot in the prestigious tournament to be hosted in Morocco from 21 December 2025 to 18 January 2026.
The announcement was made by SAFA CEO Lydia Monyepao, who confirmed the venue and details surrounding the upcoming encounter. Monyepao expressed her excitement about hosting the match at Orlando Stadium, a venue steeped in rich football history and known for its passionate supporters. She emphasized the importance of this match in Bafana Bafana’s journey towards AFCON qualification and called on South African fans to rally behind the national team.
SAFA President Dr Danny Jordaan echoed this sentiment, urging supporters to come out in full force to create an electrifying atmosphere similar to the one experienced in Bloemfontein during Bafana Bafana’s match against Zimbabwe in June. Dr Jordaan highlighted the role that fan support plays in motivating the players and enhancing their performance on the pitch.
“Ticket sales are now open, please come out in numbers and make it count in the stands. We want to continue the momentum and the amazing scenes we saw in Bloemfontein when Bafana Bafana faced Zimbabwe in June. We want to see the same at Orlando Stadium,” said Dr Jordaan.
The gates at Orlando Stadium will open at 15h00 on the day of the match, allowing fans ample time to settle in and soak up the pre-match atmosphere. Tickets have been made affordable to ensure accessibility for all fans, with prices set at R30 for children, scholars, and students, R60 for adults, and R140 for a family package (two adults and two children). Tickets can be purchased through TicketPro and are available at various outlets, including Spar supermarkets (QuickSpar and SuperSpar), SASOL, ENGEN, SHELL, PowerFashion, and JAM Clothing.
The match against Uganda is not only significant in terms of AFCON qualification but also marks an important step in Coach Hugo Broos’ ongoing efforts to build a competitive and cohesive Bafana Bafana squad. Since taking over the reins, Broos has emphasized the need for consistency, discipline, and a winning mentality within the team. His vision for the national squad is one of steady progress, and the upcoming match against Uganda will serve as a litmus test for the team’s preparedness for the challenges ahead.
Uganda, known as “The Cranes,” are no pushovers and have proven to be formidable opponents in previous encounters. They come into this match with their own ambitions of securing a spot in the AFCON tournament. Bafana Bafana, on the other hand, will be looking to capitalize on their home-ground advantage and secure all three points in front of their passionate supporters.
After the showdown at Orlando Stadium, Bafana Bafana will immediately shift their focus to their next group fixture, which sees them traveling to South Sudan on Tuesday, 10 September 2024. The team is currently in Group K, where they are pitted against Uganda, Congo, and South Sudan. The top two finishers in the group will earn qualification to the 2025 AFCON tournament.
The stakes are high for Bafana Bafana, as securing a place in AFCON is not only a matter of national pride but also a critical step towards reclaiming their status as one of the continent’s football powerhouses. The South African national team has had its fair share of ups and downs in recent years, with fluctuating performances and mixed results. However, under the guidance of Coach Hugo Broos, there is a renewed sense of optimism and belief that the team can rise to the occasion.
In preparation for the match against Uganda, Coach Broos has been meticulously planning and assessing his squad. Reports suggest that he has been focusing on strengthening the team’s defensive structure while also working on improving their attacking efficiency. The coach is likely to rely on a blend of experienced players and young talent to navigate the qualifiers, with the aim of striking the right balance between youthful exuberance and seasoned expertise.
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