South Africa’s national football team, Bafana Bafana, is gearing up for significant matches next month, with SAFA announcing details regarding the upcoming clash against Zimbabwe.

Scheduled to take place at the Free State Stadium, Bafana Bafana will face the Warriors of Zimbabwe in a crucial FIFA 2026 World Cup qualifier. SAFA CEO Lydia Monyepao provided insights into the match arrangements.

The match against Zimbabwe is set for Tuesday, June 11, 2024, at 18:00, deviating from the usual 19:30 kick-off time. Monyepao explained the decision, stating, “We wanted the game to kick off at 19h30 because this is the traditional start of late matches in South Africa… but ultimately, we were given a 6 pm kick-off, and the decision is final.”

Expressing excitement, Monyepao urged fans to fill the stadium and support the team, especially after their recent Bronze medal achievement at the Africa Cup of Nations in Côte d’Ivoire.

In Group C, Bafana Bafana will contend with Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Lesotho, Benin, and Rwanda. The group winner secures direct qualification for the World Cup, while the runner-up may compete in the play-off for a chance to advance to the inter-confederation playoffs.

Additionally, SAFA announced a three-year partnership with Freddy Hirsch as Bafana Bafana’s Official Shisanyama Partner. SAFA CEO Lydia Monyepao expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, highlighting its significance in uniting South Africa’s love for football and Shisanyama.