It would seem as though SAFA's financial woes are now likely to hinder them from confirming venues in Gauteng for the national teams. The mother-body was initially in danger of failing to secure FNB Stadium for their Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Morocco four months ago because of outstanding payment.
In a statement issued by Stadium Management SA, it was revealed that this debt was eventually settled, which opened the door to Soccer City agreeing to host the North African giants in the much anticipated fixture.
It's emerged now that there's still a R3 million balance due to SMSA despite an agreement to allow Bafana Bafana – the senior men's national side – to take on Namibia and DR Congo in friendly matches early last month.
Those two fixtures were played at Orlando Stadium, another venue being managed by the same company and expected to allow coach Hugo Broos' to face eSwatini next Friday in another international match.
However, should there be no arrangement to settle debt, then this no doubt gives SAFA fewer options for venues in Gauteng at least. The federation's CEO, Lydia Monyepao, has been on record that other provinces usually show interest in hosting Bafana, but when it comes to putting the agreement on paper, there are stumbling blocks.
Bafana's next run of matches involves 2026 World Cup qualifiers in November, which will again require a venue, with Benin set to be the opener for South Africa at home.
