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The two South African teams are ready to renew their rivalry when they meet in Rustenburg, Northwest
South Africa will return to action against Namibia in an international friendly match at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium on Thursday night.
Bafana Bafana has been inactive since November 2019 when they defeated Sudan 1-0 at home in the 2022 African Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifier.
Coach Molefi Ntseki is keen to ensure his team builds momentum ahead of next month’s two Afcon qualifiers against São Tomé and Príncipe.
Bafana will face a Namibian team that has also been inactive for the past 11 months after losing 2-0 to Guinea in their last match, which was the 2022 Afcon qualifier.
The Brave Warriors, under the leadership of award-winning Namibia coach Bobby Samaria, will seek to get back on track by defeating Bafana.
Game | South Africa vs Namibia |
Date | Thursday 08 October |
Time | 6:00 pm SA time |
TV channel, live score and how to watch
The game will be broadcast live on SuperSport TV.
Online streaming | Television channel |
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SABCsportonline.co.za | SABC 3 |
Squads and team news
South Africa could be without Lebogang Manyama, as the Kaizer Chiefs midfielder and forward did not attend Wednesday’s training session due to a lumbar strain.
However, Ntseki’s team has been boosted by the arrival of his Percy Tau on Wednesday and the influential forward has the ability to single-handedly inspire the Bafana to a victory over Namibia.
The RSC Anderlecht player received an assist when South Africa defeated Namibia 1-0 in their last meeting between the two teams, which was in the 2019 Afcon final in Egypt.
Meanwhile, Namibia will be left without one of its key players, Deon Hotto, as the new Orlando Pirates winger is currently rehabbing an injury.
Samaria is expected to look to Peter Shalulile as the lethal forward has enjoyed a successful 2019/20 season in which he took home the PSL Golden Boot award after scoring 16 goals.
The new Mamelodi Sundowns striker will be eager to play an integral role in helping the Brave Warriors stun Bafana and prove that their achievement of the recent PSL season was no fluke.
Match preview
South Africa have been inconsistent in their last five games, recording three losses and two wins against Mali and Sudan.
Bafana recorded defeats against top African teams like Ghana, Nigeria and Morocco.
While the Brave Warriors have also been inconsistent, having recorded two losses to Zambia and Guinea and a win over Chad in their last three games.
Before the three matches, they had recorded two consecutive victories over Eritrea in the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
This will be the 10th meeting between South Africa and Namibia in all competitions.
The Bafana have the upper hand by recording six wins compared to the Brave Warriors’ two, while one game ended in a draw.