Share

Bafana to face 'top team'

Johannesburg - The SA Football Association (SAFA) is not overly concerned about Nigeria's controversial withdrawal from next month's friendly game against Bafana Bafana, according to SAFA president Kirsten Nematandani.

"We've got what is arguably an even more attractive African line-up in store for Bafana on the same date (August 10)," Nematandani said on Friday.

"I'm not releasing any names, after the Nigerian experience, before everything is 100 percent tied up.

"But the country with which we have reached an advanced stage of negotiations has a higher ranking than Bafana and contains a number of exciting, world-class players."

The SAFA boss said providing Bafana with stern opposition in the warm-up match before their crucial Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers in September and October had been viewed as a priority.

"We immediately took steps to secure the best possible replacement after Nigeria had backed down from and earlier commitment," he said.

Nematandani added that SAFA did not intend to pursue any action against Nigeria for reneging on the decision to play Bafana in preference to a game against Ghana in London on the same date.

This despite the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) having let down South Africa in similar circumstances in the past.

"We received an apology from the NFF in which they stated their players, who are mainly based in Europe, felt playing in England instead of making a longer trip to South Africa was a more agreeable proposition," Nematandani said.

"It's hardly a satisfactory reason after you have already made a commitment, but I think it reflects the problems the NFF might have more than anything else.

"From Safa's point of view, however, we would rather look forward instead of harping on the Nigeria issue and seeking to redress it through some form of compensation, or a complaint to FIFA."

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
26% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1470 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2246 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE