Preparations for the 2023 AFCON continue with Hugo Broos’ Bafana Bafana taking on Namibia in an international friendly match, inside the Orlando Stadium on Saturday.
South Africa vs Namibia
International Friendly
Saturday, 9 September 2023 – 15:00
Orlando Stadium
South Africa
Bafana Bafana will come into this clash concerned by the string of injuries to their squad, but coach Hugo Bross has brushed that aside after being impressed by what he has seen on the training field.
He knows very well the importance of measuring the players’ levels and tactics ahead of the Afcon showdown, scheduled for January in Ivory Coast. In addition, the qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup are just around the corner – meaning the squad will rely heavily on variety as the games will come thick and fast.
That is why the Belgian has also included youngsters such as Mihlali Mayambela, Luke Le Roux, Bathusi Aubaas, Pule Mmodi and Kobamelo Kodisang in the squad as he aims to get them familiar with the ins and outs of the international set-up.
On the pitch, I expect Bafana to be too strong for the Namibians in terms of quality and tactics, but they will have to avoid falling into the trap of getting too comfortable without meaningful passages of play.
To Win Match
Bafana Bafana 11/20 | Draw 5/2 | Namibia 48/10
Namibia
Namibia currently sit at the top of Group C in the AFCON qualifiers with one defeat to their name.
They too will see this as an opportunity to test their squad against one of the best nations on the continent.
Their squad comprises of two seasoned footballers in Peter Shalulile and Riaan Hanamub, plying their trade in the DStv Premiership for Mamelodi Sundowns and AmaZulu respectively. Their knowledge of the South African game and the personnel in the squad could cause some problems for Bafana – both defensively and offensively.
But Namibia will certainly have their work cut out for them in defence, with Bafana’s Lyle Foster looking eager to establish himself as a striker in the Premier League after netting twice already this season.
Verdict: South Africa to win at – 11/20
Bafana have another chance to add to their dominance over Namibia in this fixture. They have beaten them three times before and are heading into this as clear favourites.
But don’t underestimate Shalulile and co. in that Namibian attack as they are more than capable of pouncing on any defensive errors.
