THE Free State province will host an international football match involving the South Africa senior men’s national team for the first time in 14 years when Bafana Bafana face Zimbabwe in a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier in Bloemfontein on 11 June.
The game will be played at the Free State Stadium 2024.
Bafana last played in Bloemfontein when they defeated France 2-1 in a 2010 FIFA World Cup group fixture.
Their return to the city was confirmed this week by the South African Football Association’s acting chief executive officer, Thulani Ngwenya.
“We are looking forward to playing this match in Bloemfontein, and we appeal to the fans to come out in numbers to support the team,” he said.
“The fans play such a crucial role for the players, and a packed Free State Stadium would serve as a fantastic boost for them.”
Before hosting Zimbabwe, South Africa will face Nigeria away on 7 June in another FIFA World Cup qualifier.
Bafana are currently second in Group C with three points, behind surprise leaders Rwanda who lead them by a single point after the second round of matches.
They are followed by Nigeria, Lesotho and Zimbabwe, who are all on two points.
Benin are last with one point after two games.
The FIFA World Cup will take place in the United States of America, Canada and Mexico between June and July next year. – Sports Reporter