South Africa have identified the Orlando Amstel Arena and Royal Bafokeng Sports Palace as the two possible venues for Bafana Bafana’s opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Guinea.
The South African Football Association (SAFA) has not yet publicly confirmed where the match will be played, but discussions over the two shortlisted venues are already under way.
Bafana Bafana are due to host Guinea on 26 September, before travelling to Egypt four days later to face Eritrea in their second qualifier. The national team are then expected to remain in Egypt for an international friendly against the Pharaohs at Cairo International Stadium on 4 October.
The Guinea fixture will be particularly significant for Pitso Mosimane, as it is scheduled to be his first match as Bafana Bafana head coach since returning to the role after 14 years.
SAFA is understood to be delaying the formal announcement of the venue while deliberations continue. The association is expected to reveal its decision once Mosimane has announced his final squad for the September internationals.
Bafana Bafana have regularly played their home matches at the venue now known as the Orlando Amstel Arena during Hugo Broos’ time in charge. However, Royal Bafokeng Sports Palace has also been identified as an alternative for the meeting with Guinea.
The South African reported exclusively that the two stadiums are being considered, with SAFA yet to settle on the preferred option.
Mosimane’s first squad selection since taking charge will therefore precede confirmation of the venue. The coach’s preparations will include the home qualifier against Guinea, the away match with Eritrea and the subsequent friendly against Egypt.
The 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign will begin with Bafana Bafana playing at home, although supporters must wait for SAFA’s announcement before knowing whether the match will be staged at Orlando Amstel Arena or Royal Bafokeng Sports Palace.
The developments come as attention also remains on other South African football matters, including Mohau Nkota’s reported return to Orlando Pirates and the continued absence of transfer-listed Thabo Cele from Kaizer Chiefs.
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