Bafana Bafana launch their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers this Friday against Uganda at the Orlando Stadium, in a clash where head coach Hugo Broos expects nothing but maximum points.
Bafana’s refined status in Africa
Going into this first of two 2025 AFCON qualifiers in the current Fifa international window, Bafana mentor Broos has made it clear that he will not be happy with anything less than half-a-dozen of points against The Cranes and South Sudan, who they take on next Tuesday.
Bafana hold the status of being the highest-ranked team in Group K, which is rounded up by Congo, as South Africa occupies the 10th spot in Africa and 57th globally.
This automatically places the pressure heavily on Bafana as they are, at least on paper, the best team in this pool.
But as you may know – there is no ‘therefore’ in football, which is why The Cranes are well within their rights to walk into this encounter with a lot of optimism.
How to watch
This tie will be aired live through various SABC platforms; television, radio stations, and the SABC app.
Betting odds
Bafana are favourites to come out with maximum points from this encounter, but Uganda will not go down without a fight as a result against South Africa will set their campaign in the right direction. You can place your bet on this tie here.
South Africa 4/10 | Draw 31/10 | Uganda 7/1
Orlando Stadium
Orlando Stadium is often referred to as the spiritual home of South African football as it houses one of the oldest clubs in Mzansi, Orlando Pirates.
Located on Martha Louw and Mooki Street, this venue served as a training arena during the 2010 FIFA World Cup staged in the country.
Of late, Pirates fans have made a concerted effort to put bums on seats when the Buccaneers play local or international football. The people of Soweto are likely to translate their support to the national team as the 37 313 stadium is expected to be filled close to capacity.
Last meeting
Coincidentally, Uganda were Broos’ first opponent when he took over in May 2021 as he faced The Cranes in June of that year.
Esigodini sika Maminzela was the same venue where the Belgian broke his virginity in Mzansi’s dugout where South Africa beat Uganda 3-2.
Evidence Makgopa was the star of the show on the day as he netted a brace on either side of Bongokuhle Hlongwane’s strike.
On the other side, Moses Waiswa and Ismael Watenga were the star players as they were in the books of SuperSport United and Chippa United.
Head-to-head
The two nations have crossed paths on four occasions in official matches and South Africa has been dominant in all games.
The first meeting was in a World Cup qualifier in 2006 where Bafana won 1-0. Meanwhile, this tie has produced a dozen goals, with Bafana having the lion’s share of eight.
Players to watch
Broos named a strong team, even though captain Ronwen Williams is not available after going under the knife. Percy Tau has also been omitted following his lack of involvement at his Egyptian club Al Ahly which forced Broos to turn a blind eye to the 30-year-old.
However, Broos has enough weapons in his arsenal with interim captain Themba Zwane expected to be the talisman and reproduce the performances that helped South Africa finish third in the 2023 AFCON.
In goals, Broos might be tempted to hand Sipho Chaine his debut after citing concerns about players lacking match intensity given that the local season is not in full motion.
However, Chaine has played five games for the Buccaneers so far this season, and if Broos wants a player whose engine is already revved up – Chaine would be the obvious choice over Veli Mothwa and Ricardo Goss.
Possible starting line-up
Goalkeeper: Sipho Chaine
Defenders: Khuliso Mudau, Grant Kekana, Siyabonga Ngezana, Aubrey Modiba
Central midfielders: Teboho Mokoena, Sphephelo Sithole
Attacking midfielders: Elias Mokwana, Themba Zwane, Oswin Appollis
Striker: Lyle Foster
Bafana Bafana goalkeeper Veli Mothwa urges supporters to come out in numbers and support the team in the AFCON qualifier against Uganda at Orlando Stadium on Friday, 6 September 2024.#BafanaPride#AFCONQualifiers pic.twitter.com/j5tCPlLQrk
— Bafana Bafana (@BafanaBafana) September 4, 2024
