Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos has expressed his frustration ahead of South Africa’s crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Benin on Tuesday. The Belgian tactician is displeased after learning that his squad will not be permitted to train at the Stade Félix Houphouët Boigny in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, on the eve of the match.
Benin, unable to host the fixture on home soil due to stadium suitability issues, will play their ‘home’ game in Ivory Coast. However, a scheduling conflict has complicated matters, with the stadium set to host a match between Ivory Coast and Gambia on Monday night. As a result, both Bafana and Benin have been denied access to the pitch for their customary pre-match training session.
Broos was left unimpressed, emphasizing that FIFA regulations grant visiting teams the right to a one-hour training session at the match venue the day before kickoff.
“I have to say, I am really not satisfied with this decision,” Broos stated. “FIFA rules clearly state that every team is entitled to a 60-minute training session on the pitch where the match will take place.
“But now, suddenly, we are not allowed. I understand the logistical challenge due to the other match, but when those responsible for enforcing the rules fail to do so, it becomes a major issue.”
The Bafana coach also raised concerns about whether Benin had already trained at the stadium, suggesting a possible competitive imbalance.
“We are expected to follow the rules, but where are those rules now? Some may argue that the situation affects both teams equally, but I am not convinced. Benin arrived before us, and I believe they have already trained at the venue. This is neither fair nor correct.”
Despite the setback, Bafana Bafana captain Ronwen Williams remains focused and optimistic, embracing the return to Ivory Coast—the country where South Africa clinched their Africa Cup of Nations bronze medal in February.
“It’s going to be a tough match,” Williams acknowledged. “Benin is a strong side, but we trust in our abilities and the progress we have made. This match is crucial—we either widen the gap at the top or allow it to close.
“We’re now at the halfway point of the qualifiers, and after tomorrow, we’ll have a much clearer picture of the group’s frontrunners. We want to be in that position and stay there.”
With tensions building ahead of this pivotal clash, all eyes will be on Bafana Bafana to see if they can overcome this latest obstacle and stay on course for World Cup qualification.
