Bafana Bafana, Zambia to ramp up AFCON preparation in Gqeberha showdown

Gqeberha, formerly known as Port Elizabeth and a bastion of South African football history, is braced for an international friendly between Bafana Bafana and their COSAFA neighbours Zambia tomorrow.

Both nations will use the match to fine-tune their preparations for next month’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco. The game will take place at the iconic Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, where the echoes of passionate supporters are sure to resound through the Windy City, marking Bafana Bafana’s 22nd visit to the Eastern Cape.

The occasion underscores the city’s unwavering love for the beautiful game. It will also mark the 25th meeting between Bafana Bafana and Zambia since South Africa’s return to international football in 1992.

Despite their proud history, Bafana Bafana have found Zambia to be stubborn opponents, holding a less-than-favourable record of six wins, nine draws and nine defeats.

Their first-ever clash, played at Ellis Park in May 1994 on the day of Nelson Mandela’s inauguration, remains etched in South African football folklore.

SAFA extended the halftime break to allow the newly inaugurated president to greet both teams — a symbolic gesture that perfectly captured the spirit of the new nation. South Africa went on to win 2-1, with both goals scored shortly after Mandela’s message to the players.

Fast forward to this weekend, and fans are anticipating another memorable occasion at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, which recently hosted an emphatic 5-0 victory over Congo in last month’s AFCON qualifiers. That match sold out the venue, and ahead of tomorrow's encounter, brisk ticket sales suggest another packed crowd as supporters rally behind the national team.

Coach Hugo Broos views the friendly as a crucial opportunity to assess emerging talents in his squad.

“This is, for me, the last opportunity to call some players that I want to see close up,” he said, referencing promising performers such as Keletso Makgalwa and Masindi Nemtajela, who have impressed at club level.

Bafana Bafana are expected to arrive in Gqeberha today, holding a pre-match training session at the stadium as part of their final preparations.

The memory of their previous outing at the venue remains vivid — not only for the resounding win but also for the light-hearted moment when an overzealous fan invaded the pitch, briefly halting play.

Given the high level of anticipation and enthusiasm, local authorities have ramped up safety measures to ensure the fixture runs smoothly. The South African Football Association (SAFA) has urged fans to purchase tickets early, citing the surge in national team support and growing excitement around Bafana Bafana’s AFCON prospects.

With excitement building and the city’s football faithful ready to fill the stands, Saturday’s clash promises to rekindle the vibrant football culture that has long defined Gqeberha.