Polokwane has officially secured both of Bafana Bafana’s upcoming international friendly matches against Tanzania and Mozambique in June, following a last-minute venue change.
The SA National Team was initially set to play their first friendly against Tanzania at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium on Friday, June 6, with a 19:30 kick-off. Their second friendly, against Mozambique on Tuesday, June 10, was originally slated for Loftus Versfeld Stadium.
However, those plans have now changed. Hugo Broos’ squad reported for camp in Johannesburg on Sunday, June 1, and travelled directly to Polokwane the same day.
Bafana held their first training session on Monday, June 2, at Ranch Resort, which will serve as their base for both international friendlies.
WHY BAFANA BAFANA WILL NO LONGER PLAY MOZAMBIQUE AT LOFTUS VERSFELD STADIUM
Bafana mentor, Broos, has revealed that they decided to play their friendly matches in Polokwane because there will be a rugby match at Loftus Versfeld Stadium this coming Saturday, and the pitch won’t be ready for their game on Tuesday.
Loftus Versfield Stadium will host the United Rugby Championship semi-final match between the Blue Bulls and the Sharks on Saturday, 7 June. The game will start at 18:15.
“First of all, it was a bit of a search for a stadium to host the two games. In the beginning, they mentioned Durban, Gqeberha, Polokwane, and then Johannesburg,” said Broos.
“So, it changed a lot. Also, regarding the opponents, we initially had Namibia, but they called us to say no, as they had the COSAFA Cup coming up. We had to look for another opponent, and I’m happy we found Mozambique.
“On the other hand, I was very pleased that we could play our two games here [at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium]. This way, we don’t have to move, because initially, we were going to play our first game here on Friday and then go back to Johannesburg to play at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Saturday.”
‘IT’S GOING TO BE DIFFICULT TO PREPARE THE STADIUM’, SAYS HUGO BROOS
Broos added that: “But because there is a rugby game at the weekend and our game on Tuesday, it was going to be a little bit difficult since they have to prepare the stadium for our game after the rugby game on Saturday. So, there were many problems before we knew how and where we could play our match.
“I’m very happy with the location here [in Polokwane] because it has a great pitch and it’s a nice stadium, and there will be a crowd. Let’s hope it will be a full house because it is also good for the players to make a good performance.”
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