KZN pushes to host crucial Bafana Bafana vs Nigeria World Cup qualifier at Moses Mabhida
Durban to host Bafana Bafana? Durban's Mose Mabhida Stadium could host the World Cup qualifier between South Africa and Nigeria in September. Photo: Leon Lestrade/Independent Media
Image: Leon Lestrade/Independent Media
KwaZulu-Natal are desperate to host the crucial Group C World Cup qualifier between South Africa and Nigeria, scheduled to take place in September.
With Bafana Bafana holding a five-point advantage over second-place Rwanda, a win against the Nigerians could all but seal their place in next year’s global showpiece in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
They’d have to make sure they get maximum points against Lesotho first.
Regardless, the clash against the Super Eagles is expected to be an important one for Bafana Bafana, and the KZN government wants to make sure that it’s hosted in Durban, the venue for last month’s sold-out Nedbank Cup final between Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates.
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“We wish to host that game because this is one game where we would see a huge attendance like that of the Nedbank Cup final between Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates,” SAFA eThekwini president Mazwi Mkhize said, as per FARPost.
“But you have to bid now because other provinces want the game as well. The rights to host the match go to the highest bidder.
“If a government from another province is saying I’ve got these millions, that’s where the thing is. But the Nigeria clash, we want it here.”
Mkhize added that KZN Sports MEC Mntomuhle Khawula had spoken to SAFA president Danny Jordaan about playing the game at Durban’s Moses Mabhida Stadium.
“But all in all, that’s the game that we earmarked when we heard that Nigeria would come to SA. We want them to play at Moses Mabhida — you’ll see the crowd.”
The buildup to the match is also clouded by lingering controversy after the yellow card debacle involving Teboho Mokoena during the last round of qualifiers.
In March, Mokoena featured in South Africa’s 2-0 win over Lesotho in Polokwane. It was later revealed that the midfielder was supposed to be serving a one-match suspension, having been given a yellow card in their opening match against Benin, and another in the following match against Zimbabwe.
However, Hugo Broos’ men escaped without sanction, as Lesotho missed the deadline to lodge a complaint. Nigeria’s efforts to have South Africa docked three points also proved fruitless.
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