SAFA have secured the New Peter Mokaba Stadium to host the Bafana Bafana’s upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier match against Lesotho.
Hugo Broos‘ troops are set to lock horns with Lesotho on Monday, 17 March 2025. The kick-off time is yet to be confirmed.
South Africa is in Group C of the World Cup qualifiers alongside Rwanda, Benin, Nigeria, Zimbabwe, and Lesotho.
So far, Bafana is second in Group C with seven points from four outings. They are equal in points with group leaders Rwanda.
POLOKWANE EXECUTIVE MAYOR JOHN MPE CONFIRMS BAFANA BAFANA GAME PETER MOKABA STADIUM
John Mpe, the executive mayor of Polokwane, stated that SAFA have confirmed that the city will host the World Cup qualifier match between South Africa and Lesotho.
He noted that an announcement would be made soon so the public could rest assured that Peter Mokaba Stadium would be ready to host international matches by then.
The stadium is currently undergoing grass rehabilitation after experiencing a pitch dilemma during a music concert in December 2024.
“Well, regarding the Bafana Bafana game, we have already received confirmation from SAFA that we will host an international match between Bafana Bafana and Lesotho. It’s a World Cup qualifier,” said Mpe, responding to FARPost when asked about the progress of hosting the Bafana game in Polokwane.
“So, it’s confirmed that the New Peter Mokaba Stadium will be ready by that time. We are busy ensuring that in the next few weeks, we will make some announcements about the progress made at the stadium.
“In fact, they have requested me to go and see that the grass has started growing and that everything is going according to plan. It will be ready for the international games.”
Mpe added: “We are also in discussions with SAFA to host a friendly game, particularly between South Africa and Cameroon, that they are planning. If everything goes well, we will be very happy to host Bafana more.”
POLOKWANE MUNICIPALITY GUNNING TO HOST NEDBANK CUP FINAL
The mayor further divulged their intentions of hosting the Nedbank Cup final in the City of Polokwane, citing that they are already discussing with the PSL.
“The finals; we are discussing with the PSL about the finals of the Nedbank Cup. We will make an announcement very soon because we believe that we have demonstrated our abilities, capacity, and love for the beautiful game as the Polokwane Municipality. We are looking forward to finalising this with them, and we will take it from there,” Mpe revealed.
“I think the people of Polokwane and Limpopo as a whole have been supportive, and we thank them. I believe they deserve a cup final in their own city.
“So, we are also planning to host other games if we are able to host the Springboks on the rugby side.”
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