Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos has been left extremely unhappy ahead of his next encounter. South Africa is set to face Benin in their upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifier.
The much-anticipated match will occur in Ivory Coast, at the Stade Félix Houphouët Boigny. However, Hugo Broos’ team was not permitted to train on the pitch today, as it will be utilised by Ivory Coast tonight.
Hugo Broos Unhappy That Rules Were Not Followed
According to FIFA regulations, the visiting team is allowed up to one hour of training at the stadium to acclimatise to the ground conditions.
“First of all, I have to tell you that I’m really not satisfied with the decision that we can’t have a pre-match training in the stadium where the game takes place,” Hugo Broos told the media ahead of the encounter.
“I think this is a FIFA rule, that every team has the right to have a preliminary training before the game of 60 minutes in the stadium where you play, where the match takes place.
“I don’t understand. I understand it because there is another game.
“But this is bad when people who make the rules don’t follow the rules. Will that have an influence on the game? I don’t know. But I know if tomorrow after the game I’m not at the press conference, there will be a sanction.
“So, we have to follow the rules. Where are the rules now? And you will tell me, yes, that’s for both teams. I don’t think so. I think Benin has already trained in that stadium because they were here before us.
“So, it’s all nice to say, follow the rules, follow this. We have to follow everything. But we have the right to train today in the stadium where the match takes place, and we can’t. And this is not honest, and this is not correct.” He stated.
This is a vital match, as Hugo Broos hopes to solidify top position in their group.
Bafana Bafana Looking to Build from Lesotho Victory
South Africa triumphed over Lesotho with a score of 2-0 in their most recent match on Friday evening. They maintain a 2-point advantage over second-placed Benin in Group C of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
A victory would position Hugo Broos and his team well as they conclude this FIFA window, with four group matches remaining.
Do you reckon Bafana Bafana can secure all three points against Benin? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1!
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