SAFA CEO explains why Gauteng hosted Bafana ahead of other cities
SAFA CEO Lydia Monyepao has clarified why both of Bafana Bafana’s friendlies were held in Gauteng, despite efforts to move them to other cities.
Monyepao’s remarks come after Bafana played two international friendly games against Namibia and the Democratic Republic of Congo at Orlando Stadium in Soweto.
Bafana played to a goalless draw against Namibia on Saturday, 09 September before claiming a slender 1-0 win over DR Congo on Tuesday evening.
This was the second time in a row that Bafana are playing in Gauteng after hosting Morroco at FNB Stadium in the 2024 AFCON qualifiers back in June.
The Hugo Broos‘ men played both matches in front of an empty Stadium which left supporters questioning why Gauteng has been preferred over other cities to host Bafana.
LYDIA MONYEPAO CLARIFIES WHY GAUTENG HAS BEEN HOSTING BAFANA MATCHES
Monyepao has come out to explain why Gauteng hosted both Bafana friendlies, revealing that the other cities had different commitments.
“I can assure you that we had approached a number of cities for these games, but Cape Town told us the stadium was undergoing renovations,” Monyepao said on Radio 2000.
“Durban also had other commitments. The other provinces didn’t come back to us even though they always say they want to host.
“But also we need a letter of commitment because there are costs and they are double when you leave Gauteng.
“So we had to make calls and fortunately Gauteng was available again. We do want to take Bafana Bafana and Banyana Banyana around the country but other provinces need to come on board.”
The former Banyana Banyana star further revealed why DR Congo had more supporters in the stands than Bafana.
“We’re not surprised by the huge attendance of Congolese fans in Orlando,” he said.
“We knew there are a lot of them in the country and engaged with their embassy to help us mobilise them since it will be their only chance to see their team.”
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