WeeklySA_AdminHigh stakes: Hugo Broos’ charges to host Dikwena in World Cup qualifier set for Limpopo
By Ali Mphaki
Its a match that perhaps in the not-so-distant future would not happen. After all, Lesotho is an enclave entirely surrounded by South Africa and if Trumpism could prevail, the 909 kilometres border between the two countries could just as well be rendered absolute at a stroke of the pen.
Yet, while the powers that be are wrangling and wrestling over the idea which some may find ludicrous, its business as usual as the two nations prepare for their World Cup qualifier date set for Limpopo next month. The match pencilled for the Peter Mokaba is a continuation of Safa’s commitment to taking the team to different parts of the country and with the hope to see the passionate and packed stadiums we saw in Mangaung, Gqeberha and Cape Town during the team’s unbeaten run in the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers last year.
Bafana having won back the hearts of their fickle SA supporters can only portend the Basotho nation are in for a packed and hostile reception at Polokwane, the imposing Old Peter Mokaba stadium a far cry from their 20 000-seater Setsoto stadium in Maseru.
It may well be there we concerns about the readiness of the Mokaba’s pitch after the surface was damaged following a music concert in December last year, the province and the city hosted a press briefing on Monday evening and invited members of the media in attendance to inspect the pitch themselves to allay fears about the readiness of the pitch to accommodate the crunch FIFA World Cup qualifier. SAFA President Dr Danny Jordaan said the association was happy to continue taking the South African senior men’s national team to different parts of the country, with Polokwane the latest to assume the responsibility.
“Now it is Polokwane’s turn to fill up the stadium,” the SAFA President said.
Limpopo Premier Dr. Phophi Ramathuba: “This match is not just another fixture on the football calendar, but it is a momentous occasion for our city, our province and of course for our country as we rally behind our boys in their quest to secure a spot in football’s grandest stage (the 2026 FIFA World Cup).” It would be a grave error for Bafana to underestimate their COSAFA neighbours with Lesotho having won their previous match 1-nil against Angola in an international friendly.
Whilst the match is scheduled for March 21 Human Rights Day in South Africa, chances are come final whistle the people of the great kingdom of Moshoeshoe will be pondering what could have been.
The kick off time and ticketing information will be communicated by SAFA in the coming days.
