Bafana Bafana is set to finalise their World Cup strategy in a closed-door friendly against Jamaica at Pachuca’s Hidalgo Stadium on Saturday, following visa delays. Picture: Itumeleng Khune/Independent Media
Image: Itumeleng Khune/Independent Media
Bafana Bafana will use their international friendly behind closed doors against Jamaica at the Pachuca's Hidalgo Stadium on Saturday to make any last-minute tweaks to their strategy or even their team makeup ahead of the FIFA World Cup. Kick-off will be at 11pm SA time.
The game had originally been scheduled for Friday, but due to Bafana’s late arrival in Mexico, the game had to be moved.
Last week, Bafana played out a 0-0 draw with Nicaragua, which was less than ideal ahead of their World Cup campaign.
Since then, Bafana had their departure for the tournament delayed by visa issues.
Bafana finally arrived in Mexico on Tuesday, and after getting some rest, they could begin their final preparations.
Ahead of the Jamaica clash, Broos said he was more than happy to be taking on the side they last played against in 2024.
"I am happy with Jamaica; they're ranked 74th, so it will be a good opponent,” Broos told SABC Sport.
"For us, it will be the last test before that opening game, so again, I am very happy with it. I will not make any declarations. For me, I have something in my head, and I will see if we can use that in our first game against Mexico.”
According to reports, the only injury concern Broos has at the moment is over defender Aubrey Modiba.
Bafana are taking on co-hosts Mexico in the opening match of the FIFA World Cup on June 11. Kick-off at the Estadio Azteca is at 9pm SA time.
It's a rematch of the 2010 FIFA World Cup opener when South Africa were the hosts. On that occasion, Bafana took a spectacular lead through a Siphiwe Tshabalala wonder strike, only to be forced to settle for a draw after Mexico equalised 11 minutes from time.