Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has revealed the cost of playing high-profile international friendly matches against global heavyweights ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Broos told journalists on Monday that arranging friendlies against South American giants such as Brazil and Argentina would have been extremely costly.
With Bafana scheduled to face Panama in two upcoming international friendlies, questions have been raised about whether the opposition is strong enough to properly prepare the team for the global soccer showpiece. However, Broos has made it clear that they considered more formidable options.
According to the Belgian coach, matches against football powerhouses like Brazil and Argentina were possible but would have come at an enormous expense. He indicated that SAFA would have needed to spend nearly R100 million to secure these fixtures, a sum deemed beyond what was financially feasible.
Rather than overextending resources, Broos is happy with the current preparations and supports the decision to face Panama. He believes these matches will give his squad the competitive experience they need without putting undue pressure on the federation’s finances.
BROOS: ‘THEY ASK FOR US$5 MILLION’
“Normally, the best scenario would be to play against an Asian team, a middle American team and a European team. Lydia [Monyepao], the CEO, said Brazil want to play against us, and I said, ‘Very good, why not?’ They asked for $5 million [R84 million] to come. A few months ago, Argentina also wanted to play against us in Johannesburg… €5 million [R97 million],” explained the 2017 AFCON winner.
He added that Panama, who will play Bafana in two matches set for Durban and Cape Town on 27 and 31 March respectively, were “not coming for free”. Broos credited SAFA for their efforts in bringing Panama on board. He hopes they can secure an Asian team or a European team for May.
“I know for European teams it’s easier because the money is there, but we don’t have that money. And even if you go play Argentina or Brazil at FNB Stadium, people are on the roof if you want [full capacity]. You know, if Brazil comes to Belgium, the cheapest ticket should be R800, €40. That’s the cheapest. You can’t ask that in South Africa. Nobody will pay R800 for a ticket. You could invite those teams because, with 90 000 people, you never lose money if you can charge those ticket prices. Again, I am happy with Panama, and I hope we find an opponent for the end of May.”
BAFANA SET BASE IN PRETORIA
Bafana stars began arriving at camp on Monday and are currently based in Pretoria. Burnley star Lyle Foster and Germany-based Ime Okon are among the overseas players who have already reached camp.
The US-based duo of Mbekezeli Mbokazi and Bongokuhle Hlongwane are expected to arrive on Tuesday, along with Samukelo Kabini, who plays in Norway. Mamelodi Sundowns players involved in CAF Champions League action on Sunday arrived in the country on Monday afternoon and are set to report for camp on Tuesday.
They leave for Durban on Thursday, where they play the first friendly on Friday before moving base to Cape Town for next Tuesday’s tie.
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