Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos is feeling frustrated as South Africa prepares for a crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Benin on Tuesday, March 25, 2025. His discontent stems from the decision that his team would not be allowed to train at the Stade Félix Houphouët Boigny in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, a day before the important match. The predicament arises because Benin, unable to host the fixture at home due to unsuitable stadiums, will play what is technically their 'home' game in Ivory Coast.
The scheduling conflict has introduced a complication, with Ivory Coast set to face Gambia at the same venue on Monday night, March 24, blocking access for both Bafana and Benin from holding their pre-match training session. Broos, the seasoned Belgian coach, has voiced his dissatisfaction with this development. He pointed out that FIFA regulations entitle visiting teams to a one-hour training session at the match venue the day before they compete.
"I have to say, I’m really not satisfied with this decision," Broos expressed. "FIFA rules state that every team has the right to a 60-minute training session in the stadium where the match takes place. But now, suddenly, we can’t. I understand the situation because of the other game, but when those making the rules don’t follow them, it’s a big problem." He did not stop there, implying a disparity in opportunity between the two teams, stating, "I believe Benin has already trained there because they arrived before us. This is not honest, and it’s not correct."
Regardless of the tension surrounding the training limitations, Bafana Bafana captain Ronwen Williams is trying to maintain positivity. Reflecting on their return to Ivory Coast—a country where South Africa claimed the bronze medal during the recent Africa Cup of Nations—he recognizes the importance of the upcoming confrontation. "It’s going to be a tough one," admitted Williams. "Benin is a strong team, but we believe in ourselves and in what we’ve been building. This match is crucial—we can create a gap at the top, or the gap can close. It's the halfway mark of the qualifiers, and after tomorrow, we’ll have a clearer picture of the group’s favourites."
The ongoing qualifiers have been significant for South Africa, particularly after winning their last game against Lesotho. A victory on Tuesday would position them favorably at the top of Group C, with an eye towards the ultimate goal of qualifying for the upcoming World Cup, to be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Looking ahead, the qualification campaign will resume in September 2025, where South Africa faces two critical matches: an away game against Lesotho and a home fixture against Nigeria's Super Eagles. The stakes are high, as the team aims not only to solidify its position but also to keep its World Cup dreams alive.
As all eyes turn to the Stade Félix Houphouët Boigny for tomorrow’s showdown against Benin, the clash signifies more than just a battle for points; it embodies the grit and determination of South Africa's football aspirations amidst a backdrop of regulatory frustrations. Will Bafana Bafana emerge victorious and continue their journey towards the World Cup? The answer unfolds in just a few hours.
