South Africa faces a potential 3-point deduction in the ongoing 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers after allegedly fielding an ineligible player against Lesotho last week.
Bafana Bafana midfielder Teboho Mokoena may have been ineligible to play in the crucial Matchday 5 game against Lesotho after accumulating two yellow cards in previous matches (against Benin and Zimbabwe).
According to FIFA rules, a player who receives two yellow cards in separate matches must serve a one-match suspension, meaning Mokoena should not have played in the Lesotho match.
However, Mokoena was included in the starting lineup and played 81 minutes in the Lesotho match. If confirmed, this could violate FIFA’s qualification regulations, leading to a potential points deduction for South Africa.
The issue is tied to FIFA’s World Cup Qualifiers Rulebook, sub-section 9, which mandates a one-match suspension for players with two yellow cards.
If Mokoena’s ineligibility is confirmed, South Africa could lose the 3 points from their 2-0 win over Lesotho.
South Africa currently leads Group C with 13 points, ahead of Rwanda (8 points) and Benin (8 points).
A points deduction would reduce Bafana Bafana’s total points tally to 10, making the race for automatic qualification tighter, especially with Nigeria (7 points) also in contention.
However, they might avoid this penalty because Lesotho failed to lodge a formal protest within FIFA’s stipulated 24-hour window after the match.
While the points deduction could still be a possibility, South Africa may instead face alternative penalties, such as a fine.

Pindula News

South Africa might lose 3 points in the FIFA World Cup qualifiers because they played a player who should have been suspended. The player got two yellow cards in previous matches, which means he should have missed the game against Lesotho. If this is true, South Africa could lose the points they won in that game. This could make it harder for South Africa to qualify for the World Cup. But, they might not get the deduction if Lesotho didn't complain in time. They might have to pay a fine instead.

South Africa Faces 3-Point Deduction In FIFA World Cup Qualifiers

Warriors coach Michael Nees has heaped praise on Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos, saying that Broos has made South Africa the perfect model to emulate.
South Africa were bronze medalists in the most recent Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) edition held in Ivory Coast.
Bafana Bafana and Zimbabwe are both in Group C of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, which are set to resume in March next year.
In an interview with <a href="https://farpost.co.za/2024/12/23/bafana-bafana-is-the-model-michael-nees/">FARPost</a>, Nees said the Warriors should study how Bafana Bafana have improved as Zimbabwe prepares to face Benin and Nigeria in March. Said Nees:
<blockquote>
Honestly, it’s not yet all lost in the World Cup qualifiers. We have to do everything to turn the shape around in our matches against Benin and Nigeria in March.
But right now, Bafana Bafana is the model. We need to at least copy what they do and study how they do it. Their courage and fighting spirit is what we all want to have.
At best, we have to believe in ourselves, which is exactly what they have been doing since their coach took over.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

The coach of the warriors, Michael Nees, thinks that South Africa's national team, Bafana Bafana, is doing very well and can be a good example for Zimbabwe's team. Bafana Bafana won third place in the Africa Cup of Nations. Both Zimbabwe and South Africa are in the same group for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. Nees believes Zimbabwe can learn from how Bafana Bafana has improved. He thinks they should have the same fighting spirit and courage. He wants Zimbabwe to believe in themselves like Bafana Bafana does. They have important matches against Benin and Nigeria in March.

Bafana Bafana's Success A Blueprint For Warriors, Says Nees

South Africa secured third place at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament after defeating the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) in a thrilling penalty shootout. The match, held at the Felix Houphouet-Boigny Stadium in the Ivory Coast, ended in a goalless draw, leading to a dramatic shootout to determine the winner.
South Africa, known as Bafana Bafana, had suffered a disappointing exit in the semi-finals at the hands of Nigeria. However, they showed resilience in the third-place play-off against DR Congo. The Leopards had several good chances to score throughout the match, with players like Chancel Mbemba and Yoanee Wissa squandering opportunities.
Goalkeeper Ronwen Williams emerged as the hero for South Africa once again, replicating his heroic performance in the quarter-finals against Cape Verde. Despite South Africa missing their first penalty in the shootout, Williams made two crucial saves, enabling them to claim third place. Mbemba, who could have sealed the victory for DR Congo, saw his shot saved by Williams, leading to a sudden-death format. In the end, Bafana Bafana emerged victorious.
South Africa’s coach, Hugo Broos, praised the team’s fighting spirit and determination, despite their exhaustion. He acknowledged that the players were fatigued due to the team’s demanding schedule but commended their relentless efforts until the last second of the game.
The match showcased DR Congo’s dominance in terms of possession and chances created. Silas Katompa and Simon Banza had clear opportunities to score but failed to find the back of the net. Meanwhile, substitute Fiston Mayele also missed a chance to secure victory for DR Congo in the dying minutes of the game.
Broos acknowledged that DR Congo had outperformed his team and had more opportunities to score. However, he expressed pride in his players’ fighting spirit and believed they deserved the victory.
South Africa’s tiredness was evident as they made only three changes to their lineup, while DR Congo made nine changes, providing an opportunity for their reserves to feature in the match.
The Africa Cup of Nations will culminate in the final match between hosts Ivory Coast and Nigeria, which will be held in Abidjan on Sunday (today). The tournament has been filled with drama and excitement, and the battle for the continental title promises to be a thrilling contest.
<h3><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h3>

South Africa Clinches Third Place At AFCON With Dramatic Penalty Shootout Victory

South Africa emerged victorious in a thrilling match against Cape Verde, securing a spot in the semi-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2024. The game ended in a goalless draw after regular time and extra time, leading to a penalty shootout. South Africa’s captain, Ronwen Williams, played a crucial role by saving four penalties from Cape Verde’s players.
Williams showcased his exceptional goalkeeping skills throughout the match. In normal time, he made a spectacular save to tip Gilson Benchimol’s strike against the woodwork, preventing a late victory for Cape Verde. His outstanding performance continued in the penalty shootout, where he dived to his right to deny Cape Verde’s first three penalties. Williams checked notes on a water bottle between kicks.
The match itself was characterised by poor finishing from both teams. South Africa’s Teboho Mokoena had a chance to score during extra time, but Cape Verde’s goalkeeper, Vozinha, made two exceptional saves to keep the game level. The lack of goals during regular time made Williams’ saves even more significant.
South Africa now has the opportunity to avenge their defeat against Nigeria in the 2000 AFCON semi-finals. They were beaten 2-0 by the Super Eagles in that match. The team’s goalkeeper, Williams, is likely to be considered for the Best Goalkeeper award at the end of the tournament due to his remarkable performances.
South Africa’s victory sets up a challenging semi-final against Nigeria, a team with a strong defensive record. Both teams have achieved four successive clean sheets in the tournament, and South Africa will need Williams in top form to overcome their opponents. The match promises to be an exciting encounter, as South Africa aims to bridge the gap in FIFA’s rankings and secure a place in the final.
<h3>Ivory Coast vs Mali</h3>
Elsewhere, there was a lot of drama after the Ivory Coast-Mali match last night. The game ended in a 1-1 draw after the normal playing time. In an unexpected turn of events, Ivory Coast, who had been playing with only 10 players since the first half, managed to score the winning goal just a few seconds before the final whistle. This goal secured their spot in the semi-finals and also caused a lot of drama as Mali players and officials confronted the referee intending to beat him up.
<h3><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h3>

South Africa Beat Cape Verde Securing AFCON Semi Finals Spot

Morocco, a strong contender in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), has been eliminated from the tournament in the last-16 stage with a 2-0 loss to South Africa. Goals from Evidence Makgopa and Teboho Mokoena secured South Africa’s place in the quarter-finals, while Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi missed a late penalty. This follows the exit of another tournament favourite, Senegal, who were defeated on penalties by the Ivory Coast. Egypt, the runners-up from the previous AFCON, were also eliminated in the last-16 stage after a penalty shootout loss to DR Congo.
South Africa took the lead in the 57th minute with Makgopa’s goal. Morocco had a chance to equalise in the 84th minute when Ayoub El Kaabi’s shot hit the arm of defender Mothobi Mvala, resulting in a penalty awarded after a VAR review. However, Hakimi’s penalty kick hit the crossbar, denying Morocco the opportunity to level the score. Later in the match, Morocco’s Sofyan Amrabat received a second yellow card, which was upgraded to a straight red card after a VAR review. This left Morocco with ten men on the field. Mokoena then scored from the resulting free-kick, sealing South Africa’s victory.
Morocco had previously reached the semi-finals of the 2022 World Cup, an impressive feat which made them the first African team to achieve such a milestone. However, their journey in this year’s AFCON has come to an early end. Coach Walid Regragui expressed regret over missed chances, acknowledging that at this level of competition, any wasted opportunity can result in immediate punishment.
South Africa was being considered underdogs before the match. Their victory surprised many considering their poor start to the tournament. Notably, African football icon <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/2024/01/17/samuel-etoo-baffled-by-south-africas-performance-at-afcon/">Samuel Eto’o expressed frustration</a> over South Africa’s initial performances, believing that the nation possesses enough resources to support football development. Zambian politician Joseph Kalimbwe had dismissed South Africa’s chances in the AFCON. He said on 19 January:
<blockquote>
Not to hate or anything but in this AFCON 2024, they won’t go anywhere these ones. The Phala Phala boys; this is football Sichaba Sa Naha – its not some Kwasa Kwasa or Amapiano Dance Competition !!!
<img alt="Bafana bafana South Africa" class="alignnone wp-image-270430" decoding="async" height="261" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 423px) 100vw, 423px" src="https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Bafana-bafana-300x185.jpeg" srcset="https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Bafana-bafana-300x185.jpeg 300w, https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Bafana-bafana-768x475.jpeg 768w, https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Bafana-bafana.jpeg 1024w" width="423"/>
</blockquote>
His own country’s journey in the tournament also ended with a 1-0 defeat against Morocco. Zambia finished third in their group, failing to advance to the knockout stage. They are former AFCON champions.
South Africa will face Cape Verde in the quarter-finals on Saturday. 
<h3><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h3>

South Africa Shocks Morocco With 2-0 Upset To Reach AFCON Quarter-finals

Samuel Eto’o has said he is baffled by South Africa’s performance on international platforms including the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). The Cameroonian who is a former professional football player who played for top clubs like Barcelona, Inter Milan, and Chelsea, wonders why the South African national team, known as Bafana Bafana, consistently underperforms in the tournament. Eto’o believes that the South African League (PSL) is well-organised and one of the best in Africa, so he doesn’t understand why the national team doesn’t perform better. He told IOL:
<blockquote>
I am baffled as to why Bafana Bafana have constantly underperformed at the Africa Cup of Nations. The South African League (PSL) is well-organised and one of the best in Africa, so I do not understand why the national team is not that good.
</blockquote>
Some people have suggested that the poor performance of Bafana Bafana could be attributed to the management of the football association, which is led by the ANC Mayor, a political party that is considered corrupt and inefficient. Others argue that although the South African League is strong and competes in continental tournaments, it has many foreign players from countries like Zimbabwe, Malawi, Uganda, and even Brazil. When these foreign players return to their home countries, they strengthen their own national teams rather than South Africa’s. Despite this, some believe that the resources and organisation of the league should enable South Africa to have a stronger national squad.
Eto’o is not the only one who questions South Africa’s potential. Julius Malema, the leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) party, <a href="https://sportsbrief.com/football/56852-effs-julius-malema-demands-removal-danny-jordaan-accuses-safa-president-disrupting-football/">has demanded the removal of Danny Jordaan</a> as the President of the South African Football Association (SAFA). 
With Bafana Bafana losing their opening AFCON 2-0 to Mali, Jordaan’s leadership has faced further scrutiny. The team will now aim to turn things around in their upcoming matches against Namibia and Tunisia. Criticism has been voiced on social media, with many expressing disappointment with the current state of South African football and calling for leadership changes.
<h3><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h3>

Samuel Eto'o Baffled By South Africa's Performance At AFCON

Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has apologised for criticising the country’s football standards and questioning the quality of players at his disposal.
Broos’ remarks, which he made at a press conference on Tuesday, irked South Africa Football Association (SAFA) president Danny Jordaan who said he would address the coach.
The Belgian has since apologised, saying his intention wasn’t to disrespect South Africa, reported SABC Sport.
Addressing delegates at the South African Football Association’s extraordinary congress on Saturday, Broos said:
<blockquote>
I want to apologise if my declaration in the press conference last Tuesday was disrespectful to this nation. This was not my intention, certainly not.
</blockquote>
He also retracted his criticism of Bafana Bafana saying the country is “on the right track” although “there is still a lot of work to do”. Said the Belgian:
<blockquote>
We have to make it more professional – and I am just talking out of the experiences that I have. I am European, and in Europe, things are different than here in Africa.
But I also have the African experience, I worked for two years in Cameroon, and when I compare this country with Cameroon – the potential is 10 times more.
</blockquote>
Broos said Bafana Bafana are capable of qualifying not only for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) finals but also for the 2026 World Cup. He said:
<blockquote>
I will do more than everything to qualify the team in September for Afcon next year. And I will do everything to be at the 2026 World Cup. I know the potential of this country…we can make it happen.
But we need everybody in this country, not only me or SAFA – everybody who can help has to help us.
I am sure we can succeed and bring South Africa to be present at every Afcon and take them to the 2026 World Cup.
</blockquote>
<h4>More: <a href="https://farpost.co.za/hugo-broos-apologises-for-scathing-assessment-of-local-football/">Far Post</a></h4>

Bafana Coach Apologises For Criticising SA's Quality Of Football

World football governing body FIFA have reportedly agreed to launch an investigation into Ghana’s World Cup qualification victory over South Africa.
The Black Stars beat Bafana Bafana 1-0 on Saturday to book their spot in the next round of World Cup qualifiers.
Ghana won the game thanks to what looked like a dubious penalty, which resulted in the South African Football Association (SAFA) requesting FIFA to look into the matter.
According to GhanaSoccernet, FIFA on Tuesday confirmed that it is reviewing the matter without going into details of what the nature of its investigation into the match would entail. FIFA said:
<blockquote>
FIFA has received a complaint from the South African FA in relation to this matter and will review it. Please understand we cannot comment further at this stage.
</blockquote>
Bafana Bafana needed a draw to reach the third and final round of African qualifying for the 2022 World Cup, but Ghana won with the penalty that has generated a lot of debate.
The penalty was awarded after Ghana’s Leicester City midfielder Daniel Amartey went down following what appeared minimal contact from defender Rushine de Reuck, who was booked for his challenge.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.iol.co.za/sport/soccer/bafana/fifa-agree-to-look-into-penalty-incident-that-ended-bafanas-world-cup-hopes-report-13888e08-0d10-41c0-baaf-ce8f975164df">IOL</a></h4>

FIFA Agree To Investigate Ghana, SA Match

The South African Football Association (SAFA) has officially lodged a complaint after Bafana Bafana crashed out of the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers under controversial circumstances in Ghana.
Bafana Bafana suffered a 1-0 defeat at the hands of Ghana, courtesy of a contentious André Ayew penalty awarded by Sengalese referee Maguette Ndiaye.
Ndiaye controversially adjudged Rushine De Reuck to have fouled Daniel Amartey in the box while defending a Ghana corner kick.
Replays of the incident suggested there was minimal contact between the two players and SAFA CEO Tebogo Motlanthe has confirmed that the incident was immediately reported to the match commissioner. Motlanthe told Kickoff.com:
<blockquote>
Yes, I can confirm that we acted immediately by registering [a complaint] with the match commissioner last night.
The penalty issue, from where I was seated, didn’t look legit. It is sad that referees decide the games at this level.
Having seen what the team went through it is disheartening and we salute the Technical Team and the players for showing the fighting spirit despite the match officials’ conduct.
</blockquote>
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.kickoff.com/news/articles/south-africa-news/categories/news/news/safa-lodge-official-complaint-after-bafana-bafana-ousted-by-controversial-ghana-penalty/708579">Kickoff.com</a></h4>

SA Football Association Lodge Official Complaint Against Referee

Bafana Bafana coach <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Hugo_Broos">Hugo Broos</a> says he is not entirely happy with the performance of his players in the win over the Warriors on Thursday night.
South Africa narrowly beat Zimbabwe 1-0 to take a three-point lead at the top of Group G in the FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
Speaking after the match, the 69-year-old Belgian said the Warriors were more aggressive than Bafana and could have taken points from the match. Said Broos:
<blockquote>
We played against opponents who were more aggressive than us, who won more duels than us, who had more movements in their team, and I really didn’t recognise my team.
We were a little bit lucky and we could have lost points, but I am happy that we won the match. But, as I said earlier, I am not satisfied with the performance of the players tonight.
…. I don’t have a reason why they played they way they did. I asked Percy [Tau] after the game, ‘what happened?’
Nobody knows it and it was not good. I am not anxious, I am sure that on Sunday there will be a better South Africa.
</blockquote>
Bafana will travel to Ghana for their final match against the second-placed Black Stars on Sunday, with qualification for the final stage of the qualifiers in their own hands.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.sowetanlive.co.za/sport/soccer/2021-11-12-i-didnt-recognise-my-team-says-hugo-broos-after-bafanas-win-over-zimbabwe/">Sowetan Live</a></h4>

"I Didn’t Recognise My Team," Says Broos After Bafana's Win Over Warriors

Warriors coach Norman Mapeza was happy with his charges’ performance despite losing 0-1 to Bafana Bafana in a CAF 2022 World Cup qualifier played on Thursday night at the FNB Stadium in Johannesburg, South Africa.
The win extended South Africa’s lead in Group G after Ghana dropped points in a 1-1 draw with Ethiopia earlier on Thursday.
The Warriors are now a massive 12 points adrift of Bafana Bafana, having lost four World Cup qualifiers on the bounce, a record on its own.
But Mapeza believes the Warriors are heading in the right direction as far as rebuilding the national team is concerned. He said:
<blockquote>
It’s unfortunate the team ended on a losing note but I am proud of my boys. They played so well and we could have scored on two or three occasions but at the end of the day, it’s about getting goals.
It was a good match for my boys but we were unfortunate not to have scored on some of those occasions. We are in the right direction as far as rebuilding is concerned.
We gave an opportunity to an 18-year-old (Bill Antonio), we will continue doing that.
I am happy with the way we expressed ourselves.
It’s a game of football and we picked a lot of positives, at the end of the day.
</blockquote>
The only goal of the match came via a Tebogo Mokoena header from Keagan Dolly’s cross in the 26th minute.
Meanwhile, the South Africans have won their last four matches, in the qualifiers, and now need just a draw, in their final match in Ghana on Sunday, to make the final round of qualifying matches.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/five-games-no-win-one-goal/">The Herald</a></h4>

Mapeza Notes Warriors Progress Despite Defeat To Bafana Bafana

The South African Football Association (SAFA) has seemingly forsaken the spirit of good neighbourliness ahead of the FIFA 2022 World Cup qualifier against Zimbabwe.
Bafana Bafana host the Warriors in the penultimate round of the 2022 world cup qualifiers at the FNB stadium in Johannesburg on Thursday night.
Reports indicate that the South Africans resorted to dirty tactics, usually associated with West African nations, by offering the Warriors below standard training pitches.
Warriors manager Wellington Mpandare said that they rejected the two training pitches that they were offered by their hosts as none of them was suitable.
He said the Warriors had to look for another venue and eventually conducted their first training session at the Sandton sports club while waiting for the South African Football Association to fix the venue issue. Said Mpandare:
<blockquote>
We were given two venues but one had tall grass and the other one had artificial turf so we didn’t want to take chances, so last night the coach and I had to look for a training pitch and we found the one we are using now.
It also happened in Ghana last month, we had problems acquiring even a private pitch, I guess it’s African football, we are used to it now, so there are no complaints.
</blockquote>
<h4>More: <a href="https://ztn.co.zw/stream/2021/11/warriors-first-training-in-sa/">ZTN</a></h4>

South Africa Resort To Dirty Tactics Ahead Of Warriors Match

South Africa has suffered a major blow ahead of their two FIFA 2022 World Cup qualifiers against Zimbabwe and Ghana following an injury to Kaizer Chiefs’ Sifiso Hlanti.
Following the news that Hlanti has torn his Achilles tendon and will be sidelined for months, Tercious Malepe from AmaZulu has been called up to fill the void.
In further bad news for Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos and fans, Victor Letsoalo is suspended for the Zimbabwe match.
Bafana Bafana will face Zimbabwe at the FNB Stadium on Thursday, 11 November at 9 PM CAT and will then head to Ghana to face the Black Stars on Sunday, 14 November at 9 PM CAT.
UPDATED BAFANA BAFANA SQUAD:
Goalkeepers: Ronwen Williams (SuperSport United), Veli Mothwa (AmaZulu), Bruce Bvuma (Kaizer Chiefs)
Defenders: Nyiko Mobbie (Sekhukhune United), Njabulo Blom (Kaizer Chiefs), Siyanda Xulu (Hapoel Tel Aviv, Israel), Rushine De Reuck (Mamelodi Sundowns), Njabulo Ngcobo (Kaizer Chiefs), Terrence Mashego (Cape Town City), Tercious Malepe (AmaZulu), Thibang Phete (Belenenses SAD, Portugal)
Midfielders: Sphelelo Sithole (Belenenses SAD, Portugal), Thabani Zuke (Golden Arrows), Ethan Brooks (TS Galaxy), Teboho Mokoena (SuperSport United), Yusuf Maart (Sekhukhune United), Mduduzi Mdantsane (Cape Town City), Keagan Dolly (Kaizer Chiefs)
Forwards:  Fagrie Lakay (Cape Town City), Evidence Makgopa (Baroka FC), Victor Letsoalo (Royal AM), Percy Tau (Al Ahly, Egypt), Bongokuhle Hlongwane (Maritzburg United), Pule Mmodi (Golden Arrows)
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.thesouthafrican.com/sport/soccer/bafana-bafana/bafana-bafana-blow-as-key-striker-victor-letsoalo-suspended-for-zimbabwe-clash-2022-soccer-world-cup-qualifier-breaking/">The South African</a></h4>

Bafana Bafana Key Striker Suspended For Warriors Clash

The South African Football Association (SAFA) is considering increasing the number of supporters from 2 000 to more than 20 000 for Bafana Bafana’s next match at home against Zimbabwe next month.
Bafana beat Ethiopia in front of 2 000 vaccinated supporters in a 2022 Qatar FIFA World Cup qualifier (WCQ) at FNB Stadium on Tuesday and SAFA is now mulling bringing in more fans for the crunch tie against the Warriors.
TimesLIVE has been reliably informed that there will be more than 20 000 screaming fans when the national team host the Warriors at the same 94 000 capacity venue on 11 November.
SAFA communications manager Dominic Chimhavi said given that the return of fans against Ethiopia was a pilot project that turned out to be a success, the association is considering allowing more fans for Bafana’s next match.
However, everyone, including the media, security and vendors, will have to produce a vaccine certificate. Said Chimhavi:
<blockquote>
We have already started preparing for the Zimbabwe game and we are going to engage various stakeholders to suggest increasing the percentage of those attending the next game.
… Not only journalists but everyone involved, including security guards, caterers and so on No vaccination, no entry.
Even those mamas who sell pap and vleis at the stadium must be vaccinated, the taxi drivers who shuttle fans to the stadiums must be vaccinated, and members of the media.
This is a win-win situation for everyone. Get vaccinated and grow the country in every aspect.
</blockquote>
The successful hosting of fans for the Bafana match against Ethiopia was celebrated across the country and it is believed that the Premier Soccer League will follow in the mother body’s footsteps.
The domestic Premiership returns this weekend with no fans after the Fifa international weekend.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.timeslive.co.za/sport/soccer/2021-10-14-more-than-20000-fans-for-bafanas-next-match-no-more-unvaccinated-journalists-vendors/">TimesLIVE</a></h4>

Over 20 000 Fans To Attend South Africa, Zimbabwe WCQ

South Africa’s coach Hugo Broos wants 20 000 fans to be allowed into the stadium as he targets maximum points in their next 2022 Qatar FIFA World Cup qualifier against Zimbabwe next month.
A win for Bafana Bafana against the Warriors, who have been eliminated from the qualifying race after three successive losses, will leave South Africa on the verge of reaching the final World Cup qualifying stage.
Bafana played in front of about 2 000 fans in their 1-0 win over Ethiopia on Tuesday and the Belgian said he would like to have more against Zimbabwe. Said Broos:
<blockquote>
… we really hope that for the next game against Zimbabwe there will be more fans in the stands.
This is because if you have a bad moment in the game and you have the fans behind you, they will back you and give you energy.
In this game, we had about 2 000 fans inside FNB Stadium and maybe by the time we take on Zimbabwe, it will be 10 times more because that will definitely be fantastic for the players.
</blockquote>
Bafana will go into that crucial home match on the back of three successive victories where they scored five goals and conceded only once, while Zimbabwe will be looking for their first win of the qualifiers.
Broos acknowledged that Zimbabwe are not going to be easy, despite the fact that they have only managed one point from four matches. He said:
<blockquote>
We are still number one on the log and we will see in the home game here against Zimbabwe, which is the most important game for us now. Let’s hope that we will be ready and fresher for that game.
I am looking at players playing with the combinations as they did against Ghana, I am expecting them to show character as they showed against Ethiopia and I think we have a great chance to finish top in our group.
I know the situation as it is now, in one month we have to go again with a one-point lead and that means Ghana has to win their next match against Ethiopia. There is no other solution for them.
But first of all, for us, it is to deal with Zimbabwe and I hope that my colleague (Ethiopia coach Wubetu Abate) will give a little present next month by beating Ghana to make things easy for us.
</blockquote>
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.timeslive.co.za/sport/soccer/2021-10-13-bafana-coach-hugo-broos-targeting-maximum-points-against-zimbabwe/">TimesLive</a></h4>

Bafana Coach Hugo Broos Wants More Fans Against Warriors

South Africa beat Ethiopia 3-1 in a 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifier on Saturday to extend their lead at the top of Group G in front of a few hundred vaccinated fans in Bahir Dar, Ethiopia.
Bafana now lead the group on seven points at the halfway mark of the first round of the qualifying campaign for Qatar.
The other two teams in Group G, Zimbabwe and Ghana, clash this evening in Cape Coast, Ghana, and South Africa will hope for a draw to end match-day three top of the group.
South Africa started their campaign with a goalless draw against Zimbabwe in Harare, and a 1-0 win over Ghana in Johannesburg in their opening two qualifiers last month.
Against the Walia ibex, Bafana scored the first goal before the halftime break through midfielder Teboho Mokoena and second-half strikes by his central midfield partner Mothobi Mvala and substitute striker Evidence Makgopa put Bafana in pole position to finish as group winners.
Getaneh Kebede cancelled out Mokoena’s goal in the 67th minute but Mvala regained the lead for Bafana four minutes later.
Makgapa punished the Ethiopians on the stroke of full time to deflate the home side.
South Africa host Ethiopia at FNB Stadium in Johannesburg at 6 pm on Tuesday, where they will be cheered on by an expected more than 2 000 vaccinated supporters.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.timeslive.co.za/sport/soccer/2021-10-09-bafana-beat-ethiopia-to-move-three-points-clear-of-rivals-as-they-push-for-world-cup-qualification/">TimesLive</a></h4>

South Africa Beat Ethiopia 3-1 In World Cup Qualifier

Warriors coach Zdravko Logarusic has blamed a lack of match fitness for his charges’ lacklustre performance in a goalless draw at home to South Africa in a World Cup qualifier this Friday.
Zimbabwe could have lost the match had it not been for right-back Takudzwa Chimwemwe’s last-ditch clearance off the line in the second half.
Speaking during his post-match press conference, the Croat said a lack of match fitness in his team partly contributed to the eventual result. He said:
<blockquote>
It was a difficult game, and I will give you a few thoughts. You could see at the end of the game that we had a problem with match fitness because only four of our players are playing regularly at their clubs.
We have (Onismor) Bhasera, Marshall (Munetsi), Khama (Billiat) and (Knowledge) Musona, who are playing regularly at their clubs, the rest of our players are not playing regularly.
The boys from Zambia are in pre-season, the boys from South Africa don’t play regularly- for example, (Kuda) Mahachi doesn’t play, (Divine) Lunga doesn’t play and even Alec too doesn’t play.
</blockquote>
Logarusic believes that under the circumstances, a draw with South Africa was a fair result. He said:
<blockquote>
The draw is there. Even last time, I was looking at the history, when you qualified for Egypt (AFCON 2019), you didn’t win your first game, you won in Congo.
It was a difficult game, we needed a bit of individual brilliance, we didn’t get it.
In the end, I think a draw was a fair result and we have to look in some other games to try and catch up for those two points.
</blockquote>
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.soccer24.co.zw/2021/09/03/match-fitness-was-the-issue-logarusic/">Soccer24</a></h4>

Logarusic Blames Lack Of Match Fitness For Goalless Draw

Zimbabwe and South Africa opened Group G in Africa’s 2022 World Cup Qualifying tournament with a goalless stalemate at the National Sports Stadium in Harare on Friday.
The result represents a solid start for visitors Bafana Bafana, while the Warriors will feel that they should have made more of their dominance of possession.
Zimbabwe generally enjoyed more of the ball and looked the more proactive team, but South Africa were dangerous whenever they had the chance to push forward.
Warriors coach Zdravko Logarusic has now won a single match out of the 13 matches he has overseen in the Warriors dugout.
Meanwhile, Zimbabwe badly missed their England-based players, among them Marvelous Nakamba, Tendayi Darikwa, Macauley Bonne, Jordan Zemura and Brendon Galloway after EPL and EFL teams refused to release them due to stringent UK government travel rules.
South Africa will be back in Group G action on Monday 6 September with a home match against Ghana at FNB Stadium in Johannesburg, while Zimbabwe will travel to face Ethiopia at Bahir Dar Stadium the following day.
<h4>More: <a href="https://africanfootball.com///africanfootball.com/news/788703/Zimbabwe-held-0-0-by-South-Africa">African Football</a></h4>

Warriors Held 0-0 By Bafana Bafana

Zimbabwe Warriors captain Knowledge Musona says they are fully aware of the significance of Zimbabwe’s World Cup qualifier match against South Africa scheduled for the 3rd of this month.
The Warriors will be hoping to get full points when they face Bafana Bafana at the National Sports Stadium tomorrow. Musona said:
<blockquote>
It is going to be a tough game and we will do our best. We know what that battle means.
</blockquote>
Watch the ZTN video below for more details.
<div class="jetpack-video-wrapper"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" loading="lazy" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/KK__ezwHuZk?feature=oembed" title="MUSONA’S BATTLE CRY" width="640"></iframe></div>

On Monday Zimbabwe will face Ethiopia in a group that also includes West African powerhouse, Ghana.
More: <a href="https://youtu.be/KK__ezwHuZk">ZTN</a>

"We Know What That Battle Means,” Musona On Warriors, Bafana Match

Two South African players who had been drafted into the Bafana Bafana team scheduled to travel to Zimbabwe for the FIFA World Cup Group C qualifier have tested positive for COVID-19.
Bafana Bafana will play the Warriors of Zimbabwe at National Sports Stadium in Harare on Friday, September 3, but they will be without Mamelodi Sundowns striker Thabiso Kutumela and overseas-based defender Thabang Phete.
Bafana doctor Tshepo Molobi confirmed that the two players tested positive after receiving the results. Molobi told the SAFA media department:
<blockquote>
Unfortunately, we have to report the two COVID cases that we’ve got in camp. Remember we did a round of testing on Wednesday morning and we started getting results from last night. Remember, for a large group like this, it’s impractical to get the results all at once. We started getting the two flagged cases early in the morning. The earliest was Thibang Phete, who immediately isolated and later on, it emerged that Thabiso Kutumela also tested positive.
Of the 40 tests, those are the only two tests that came back positive. So, I can safely say that everybody else has tested negative.
</blockquote>
Meanwhile, <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/two-warriors-players-test-positive-for-coronavirus/">two Warriors players, Knox Mutizwa and Butholezwe Ncube</a> have also dropped out of the match after testing positive for COVID-19.
<ul>
<li><a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/zifa-announces-adjusted-warriors-squad-to-face-sa/">ZIFA Announces Adjusted Warriors Squad To Face SA</a></li>
</ul>
Zimbabwe already had suffered another setback after United Kingdom-based players were barred from travelling to the Southern African country which is on the UK list of red zone countries.
More: Soccer Laduma

Two Bafana Bafana Players Contract COVID-19 Ahead Of Zimbabwe Clash

The South African Football Association (SAFA) is scrambling to appoint the Bafana Bafana head coach, with only two months to go before South Africa’s first 2022 Fifa World Cup qualifying match against Zimbabwe.
SAFA fired Molefi Ntseki last week after Bafana failed to qualify for the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) finals.
According to SowetanLive, on Wednesday the technical committee met to study all the CVs the association received.
The committee will then have to shortlist three coaches and send this list to the national executive committee (NEC), who will have a look at it before a decision is made.
The technical committee spent almost the whole day in a meeting as they were busy studying all the CVs they had received. A source is quoted as saying:
<blockquote>They were supposed to cut the number to three yesterday after they studied the CVs.
The recommendations they will send to Safa and the association will come back to them and say this is the person we think will do the job.
This matter has to be sorted as soon as possible because we are playing Zimbabwe soon in our first match.</blockquote>
Bafana are set to start their Qatar 2022 qualifying campaign against neighbours Zimbabwe on June 8 in Harare, before hosting Ghana the following week.
Benni McCarthy, Pitso Mosimane, Gavin Hunt, Eric Tinkler and Adel Amrouche are among coaches tipped to take over at Bafana.
However, former Africa Cup of Nations winner Herve Renard and Hugo Broos who were previously linked with the post will not be considered.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.sowetanlive.co.za/sport/soccer/2021-04-08-scrambling-safa-to-shortlist-three-for-bafana-post/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">SowetanLive</a></h4>

SAFA Scrambles To Appoint Bafana Coach

South Africa’s senior men football team, Bafana Bafana, has failed to qualify for the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations Finals scheduled for Cameroon after losing to Sudan 2-0 in a Group C qualifier match.
Sudan who were the hosts got their goals from Saifeldin Malik in the fifth-minute and Mohammed Abdelrahman who doubled the lead on 31 minutes.
South Africa coach Molefi Ntseki took off Brighton and Hove Albion forward Percy Tau just past the hour and surprisingly replaced him with a defender, Sifiso Hlanti, given the desperate need for goals.
Bafana Bafana have gradually been fading as a Cup of Nations force after hosting and winning the competition in 1996 and finishing second and third in the following two editions.
Failure to qualify for the 2021 tournament in Cameroon means Bafana Bafana will miss the finals of the marquee African national team competition for the fourth time in seven editions.
Meanwhile, neighbouring Zimbabwe has qualified for the fifth time following their recent 1-0 win over the Zebras of Botswana.
More: <a href="https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20210328-south-africa-lose-in-sudan-and-eliminated-from-cup-of-nations">France24</a>

South Africa Fail To Qualify For AFCON Finals

The South African Football Association (SAFA) has named the replacement for Bafana Bafana coach Stuart Baxter, who resigned on Friday.
SAFA released a statement on Saturday evening, announcing Molefi Ntseki as the interim coach.
Ntseki is the under-17 SA coach and was Baxter’s assistant at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations. The statement read in part:
<blockquote>Given that Ntseki has been with Bafana Bafana for quite a while now, it was felt that in the interest of continuity, and given the upcoming fixtures in September, Ntseki is best placed to follow through with the foundation that has been laid by coach Baxter, who resigned on Friday, 2 August 2019.
… While we intend to use our best endeavours to resolve the Bafana Bafana head coach matter by the end of the month, it is to be understood that with these matters, it involves complex negotiations with the potential replacement, and therefore not always possible to resolve such matters in a short space of time.</blockquote>
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.soccerladuma.co.za/news/articles/local/categories/bafana/confirmed-bafana-announce-interim-coach/660454" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Soccer Laduma</a></h4>

South Africa Names New Bafana Bafana Coach

Former cabinet Minister and G40 kingpin Saviour Kasukuwere’s tweet has drawn derision among commentators after he suggested that South Africa is his home.
Kasukuwere’s comment on microblogging site Twitter follows South Africa’s surprise win over Egypt on Saturday to reach the quarterfinals of the Africa Cup of Nations. <a href="https://twitter.com/Hon_Kasukuwere/status/1147635913561915394" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">He wrote:</a>
<blockquote>Bafana Bafana ~ Well done guys. You have done it. Let’s now go all the way and bring the trophy home.</blockquote>
Below are some of the responses to Kasukuwere’s tweet:
<ul>
<li>The same MDC that you purged for many years is going to liberate Zimbabwe so that we guarantee your return home, without that independence, you will hear your property being looted day and night but without action.</li>
<li>Zimbabwe is for us all, next time if given another chance please treat everyone fairly, we only have one God up there! Now you were being fooled by Grace, calling Democrats all sorts of names, today you are saying SA your home, wake up my brother. <a href="https://twitter.com/PeterEv04277927/status/1147688269989240832" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Peter Evans</a></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Kkkkm is south Africa your home ey. <a href="https://twitter.com/BepuraGivemore/status/1147643584918839296" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Givemore Bepura</a></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Zim is now more South African than Zimbabwean. Our country has been destroyed to a level that a former cabinet minister calls a next-door country home comfortably than his own country. Will things ever change for the good of Zim and be home? <a href="https://twitter.com/makumusha/status/1147734896762335233" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Fantan Makumusha</a></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Ko wakutoti ‘let us now bring the trophy home’ uchireva south Africa? <a href="https://twitter.com/MarkMotmarks/status/1147764672642334725" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Mark</a></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>I didnt know that anywhere could be home. Mukutoenda henyu Joza mdhara, attachment makapedza here imi? <a href="https://twitter.com/trd_viriri/status/1147693921608392704" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Tafadzwa Viriri</a></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Bafana shld bring it to their home and to our region. Zimbabwe is not SA despite your Tyson Obama efforts to mis-govern Zimbabwe. <a href="https://twitter.com/2unga/status/1147759746264571904" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">TheRealChiefNyashanu</a></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Hoo zviya maakugara kuSouth. Eta mufowethu linjani wena weG40. <a href="https://twitter.com/SChiruka1/status/1147717631715225601" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Simon Chiruka1</a></li>
</ul>

Kasukuwere Derided For "Bring The Trophy Home Bafana Bafana" Tweet

The South African Football Association (SAFA) has confirmed the friendly match against Zimbabwe during the March international break.
Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) had announced that the friendly will take place at National Sports Stadium on March 25, and it will be used as part preparations for the African Cup of Nations qualifying campaigns which resume in September.
More: <a href="https://www.soccer24.co.zw/2018/03/06/s-confirm-zim-friendly/">Soccer24</a>

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