SAFA's CEO, Lydia Monyepao, has explained why Bafana Bafana will be hosting Congo in Gqeberha instead of Bloemfontein.
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The story
After the South African Football Association (SAFA) announced Gqeberha as the venue for Bafana Bafana's upcoming match against Congo-Brazzaville, CEO Lydia Monyepao revealed the reason for their decision.
Bafana Bafana will take on Congo on 11 October before heading out to central Africa for the return leg of their Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier.
When confirming that Bafana Bafana will lock horns with Congo at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, Monyepao confirmed mentioned that Bloemfontein was initially considered.
However, there were complications, primarily due to the condition of the pitch at the Free State Stadium, which will host a rugby match just days before the Bafana Bafana's next AFCON qualifier.
Bloemfontein was SAFA's number one choice due to the electric atmosphere in Bafana Bafana's FIFA World Cup qualifier victory over neighbours Zimbabwe.
"The reason why we selected Nelson Mandela Bay – initially we had pencilled in Bloemfontein, and we were in advanced talks with the Mangaung Municipality to take the game back there.
"Given the support we received in June when Bafana Bafana played against Zimbabwe, we thought it's the best atmosphere to give our team the support they need to get maximum points at home before they go to Brazzavile," stated the CEO at the Heritage Day braai event organized by Bafana sponsor, Freddy Hirsch.
"But there were certain issues beyond our control that saw us take the game away," noted Monyepao to SABC Sport, adding:
"We were thinking about the happenings in Mangaung around that weekend, but things like the condition of the pitch leading up to the game was not going to be ideal for this kind of game.
"We were notified of the rugby games that were happening before then, and we also had other logistical challenge that, when we sat down and thought about it, we thought it's best to move it to Port Elizabeth, which was actually scheduled to host Bafana in November," concluded Monyepao on SAFA's reasons for taking Bafana's next Home game captain Ronwen Williams' home city.
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SAFA CEO Lydia Monyepao confirms that Bafana Bafana's AFCON qualifier match against Congo will be played at the Nelson Mandela Bay stadium in Gqeberha on 11 October.
— SABC Sport (@SABC_Sport) September 24, 2024
?? #SABCSport's @Velile_Mnyandu#SABCSportFootballpic.twitter.com/snD3IjHm8V
Hugo Broos revealed his preliminary squad for the upcoming AFCON qualifiers against Congo, with Orlando Pirates defender Thabiso Sesane's inclusion being celebrated by fans on Twtter/X, while many bemoaned Monnapule Saleng's exclusion:
Congratulations to Thabiso Sesane. He has received his first call-up to the Bafana Bafana squad. ?? pic.twitter.com/V0bEpsgjae
— STAR. (@makwande_m) September 25, 2024
Bradley Cross for Bafana Bafana ???? pic.twitter.com/kZwukGM758
— SabeloStorm (@sabelostorm) September 24, 2024
What did Hlongwane do to ta Broos?
— Akani Nwanati (@AkanimiltonM) September 24, 2024
No Saleng, No Makgopa, No Hlongwane... This guy must lose a few games so he can learn pic.twitter.com/bw5dStavF8
— Incontrovertible Truth (@incontroZA) September 24, 2024
Sipho Chaine
— Ro?ewa Mathephe (@Ronewa_Mathephe) September 24, 2024
Nkosinathi Sibisi
Thabiso Sesane
Thalente Mbatha
Patrick Maswanganyi
Relebohile Mofokeng
Tshegofatso Mabasa
We will be there! ??????
I'm happy for our very own
— ??ASANTE?? (@mrcool_SIYA) September 24, 2024
Mbulelo Mabizela ?? pic.twitter.com/DxVU6DE4hX
I don't give a damn who says what players on form like hlongwane and saleng should be there
— mbuyi (@mbuyi535024) September 24, 2024
T.SESANE pic.twitter.com/aXcPfKyMTg
— Dennis Maphari???? (@Mukondi191382) September 24, 2024
Veli Mothwa, Siyabonga Ngezana, Bathurst Aubass and Percy Tau shouldn't be even in this preliminary squad if we're serious.
— Nicotine Caffeine (@ActionKillerman) September 24, 2024
Monnapule Saleng, Hlongwane will never get a 2nd chance with team????
— NABI'loso (@KB_Ramasimong) September 24, 2024
I think people like Sibisi, Mokwana must be pulled out the final team
Percy is back.... Sibisi and Mokwana are not playing enough
Bafana Bafana Striker
— Thumbs Up 66 (@ThumbsUp66) September 24, 2024
Tshegofatso Mabasa is Back pic.twitter.com/kQQ3W2OqpG
No Saleng ??
— Sizwe Masilela (@sizwemasilela66) September 24, 2024
Sesane deserves to be in the final 23.
— 3×??????8 ???????????????????????? (@_msizi_) September 24, 2024
No Saleng yet again. This is beyond disrespectful! It's an abomination! Saleng not only has the technical ability but carries a big heart for the sport. I feel sorry for the man. Hope he doesn't let it deter him. https://t.co/bFMhDl1jXh
— Fanalysis (@KickFutbol_) September 24, 2024
Hugo after watching Skomota scoring a brace https://t.co/NIuO16KksI pic.twitter.com/uQFJlCUIrz
— ?KING CALO? (@SCALO91) September 24, 2024
Saleng definitely should've been on this list https://t.co/0LhJDmCiO6
— Saitama (@KhozaLeroi) September 24, 2024
We might finally see your signature move in national colours. ?? https://t.co/BLMI1nMCMF pic.twitter.com/kRHak7CWb5
— Sizwesihle Mavuso (@stitchious) September 24, 2024
