The South African Football Association (SAFA) has officially confirmed that Bafana Bafana will face Lesotho in their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane. The crucial encounter is scheduled for Friday, 21 March 2025, as Hugo Broos’ men continue their bid for a spot at the global showpiece.
Bafana Bafana vs LesothoMatch Details
- Fixture: South Africa vs Lesotho
- Date: Friday, 21 March 2025
- Venue: Peter Mokaba Stadium, Polokwane
- Competition: 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifier
2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifier: Key Match in Qualification Campaign
This fixture marks an important phase in South Africa’s qualification campaign, with the national team set to take on their COSAFA counterparts before heading to Benin for their next challenge. The announcement was made during a press briefing hosted by SAFA alongside local authorities and the Limpopo provincial government on Monday evening.
Concerns Over Pitch Readiness Addressed
Ahead of the confirmation, concerns had been raised over the condition of the Peter Mokaba Stadium’s pitch, which suffered damage following a music concert in December 2024. However, provincial government officials assured the public that the playing surface is being restored and will be ready in time for the match. Members of the media were invited to inspect the pitch, with authorities confirming that the venue will host its first game of the year in the coming weeks, ensuring full readiness for the World Cup qualifier.
Commitment to Hosting Matches Nationwide
SAFA President Dr. Danny Jordaan reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to bringing Bafana Bafana matches to various parts of the country. He highlighted how this initiative has previously seen games played in cities such as Mangaung, Gqeberha, and Cape Town, where the national team enjoyed strong home support during their unbeaten Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying campaign.
“Bringing this match to Polokwane, Limpopo, continues our strategy of spreading the national team’s fixtures across different regions. We look forward to a passionate and packed stadium, just like we saw in Mangaung, Gqeberha, and Cape Town. Now, it is Polokwane’s turn to show their support,” said Dr. Jordaan.
Excitement Builds in Limpopo
Limpopo Premier Dr. Phophi Ramathuba expressed her excitement about the fixture, describing it as a significant moment for the province.
“This match is more than just another football event; it is an important occasion for our city, our province, and our country as we rally behind our team in their quest to qualify for the World Cup,” she said.
When is Bafana Bafana Playing?
SAFA is expected to release information regarding kickoff time and ticket sales in the coming days. The match is anticipated to draw strong interest from football fans across the country, as Bafana Bafana aim to strengthen their position in the qualification standings.
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