Every fixture between now and then should be a stepping stone toward becoming more competitive on the global stage.
As Bafana Bafana continue their build-up to the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco later this year, one can’t shake the feeling that the South African Football Association (SAFA) has missed a trick by not securing stronger opposition for Hugo Broos’ men.
This is not a dig at Zambia, far from it because Chipolopolo have also qualified for the continental showpiece and remain a proud footballing nation with a rich history. However, where South Africa is right now, and where they want to go, it’s fair to expect better.
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The reality is that Bafana need to be pushed to their limits before heading into a tournament that will test every facet of their game. Matches like the one against Zambia may offer Broos a chance to experiment with combinations, but they do little to reveal the true measure of this team’s readiness for the challenges ahead.
This is a pivotal time for Bafana, with the AFCON is around the corner, and next year’s FIFA World Cup in North America. Every fixture between now and then should be a stepping stone toward becoming more competitive on the global stage.
Playing teams where Bafana are clear favourites does not serve that purpose. It creates a false sense of security and a comfort zone that might flatter to deceive at a later stage.
There’s a simple truth in the saying, “iron sharpens iron.” Bafana need tougher, more demanding opponents, whether from Africa, Europe, or South America to truly gauge their progress from a physical, mental, and tactical point of view. Only through such battles can the players learn to cope under real pressure and refine their mental resilience needed to compete with the best in the world.
Looking at Bafana’s AFCON Group B opponents, it’s clear that others are taking a more ambitious approach. Angola have arranged a friendly against world champions Argentina. Egypt will face Uzbekistan, a rising force who have qualified for their first global showpiece. Even Zimbabwe are set to play Algeria as part of their preparations.
Meanwhile, other top African nations such as Tunisia are using the FIFA window to test themselves against Jordan and Brazil. These are the kinds of fixtures that reveal strengths, expose flaws, and that is exactly what preparations are meant to do.
Broos deserves credit for the transformation he has overseen since taking charge. He has instilled structure, belief, and a winning mentality. For that momentum to continue, SAFA must play its part too by securing quality opposition.
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Bafana have been through the fire and emerged stronger. Now it’s time to see how far that progress truly extends. To conquer in Morocco and compete at the World Cup that will be played across the United States, Canada and Mexico in 2026, the 1996 AFCON champions must first dare to test themselves against the very best.
