SAFA lines up four international friendlies for Bafana Bafana!

The South Africa Football Association (SAFA) has lined up four international friendly matches for Bafana Bafana in September and October.

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In an interview with Sunday World, SAFA CEO Lydia Monyepao revealed that the four friendlies will be used as preparation for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers and Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in January.

Bafana have already qualified for the AFCON finals in Ivory Coast; their first since making it to the continental showpiece in 2019.

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But before heading to Ivory Coast, Hugo Broos’ men will embark on a World Cup qualifying journey in November.

They have not qualified for a FIFA World Cup since 2002 – they competed in the 2010 edition as the host Nation.

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BAFANA BAFANA TO PLAY FOUR IN INTERNATIONAL FRIENDLY MATCHES

On 9 September, Bafana will take on Namibia before hosting the Democratic Republic of Congo on 12 September.

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Bafana will play both matches in South Africa at venues yet to be confirmed by the country’s FA.

Furthermore, the October FIFA break will see Bafana Bafana host Eswatini on the 13th before jetting off to Ivory Coast to face the 2024 AFCON hosts four days later.

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The match against Ivory Coast will come just five days after the draw for the AFCON finals where teams will be divided into groups.

“These matches are in support of coach Hugo Broos as he continues with his preparation for the Afcon in the beginning of next year, and the start of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers,” Monyepao said.