SAFA and the Egyptian Football Association [EFA] are in discussions for an international friendly match tentatively set for October 4, which could be a stern test for new Bafana Bafana coach Pitso Mosimane.
FARPost understands that talks are ongoing and the match has been proposed to be staged in Cairo. By October 4, Bafana will already be in Cairo, where Eritrea will host them in a 2027 AFCON qualifier on September 27.
The upcoming FIFA international window is an extended 16-day period running from September 21 to October 6. The world football governing body has published on its website that teams can play up to four matches during that window before they return for international football on November 7.
Mosimane’s second Bafana tenure begins with the September 23 hosting of Guinea in a Group D AFCON qualifier. They will then head to Cairo, where they are pencilled to face Eritrea, who are playing their home matches in Egypt due to their own football stadiums not meeting CAF standards.
SAFA and EFA are keen to make the most of South Africa’s trip to North Africa and arrange a friendly game. It is a period in which the Pharaohs will host Angola in Group B of the AFCON qualifiers before facing South Sudan away on September 27. The plan is to return to Cairo, where Bafana will be waiting for them.
REALITY CHECK FOR NEW BAFANA COACH PITSO MOSIMANE
While Guinea are regarded as tough opponents due to most of their players plying their trade in top leagues in Europe, the Egypt friendly, if agreed upon, would be a testing affair for Mosimane.
The experienced coach inherits a team that was established as a competitive unit under Hugo Broos. They claimed bronze at the 2023 AFCON, before reaching the FIFA World Cup knockouts for the first time in their history at the 2026 tournament.
Mosimane has previously stated that winning AFCON is a top priority for him after clinching the CAF Champions League thrice. He delivered one Champions League title at Mamelodi Sundowns and won it two times at Al Ahly. Should the Egypt friendly be finalised, it will be an emotional return to Cairo for Mosimane, a city he called home in his first coaching job outside South Africa.
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