Initially, fans were required to purchase tickets for R10 to attend the opening matches. However, organisers have now declared that entry to the remaining games will be completely free of charge.

The decision was made public on Thursday (5/6) morning, a day after the tournament’s opening fixtures. Matches are being held at two iconic venues in the city: the Free State Stadium – a historic ground that hosted games during the 2010 Fifa World Cup – and the Dr Petrus Molemela Stadium, once the fortress of PSL side Bloemfontein Celtic.

Tickets will now be distributed daily, starting at 10:00, from three outlets near the Toyota Stadium (Free State Stadium). Fans can collect their free match tickets at the following locations:

• MTN House: Cnr Nelson Mandela Drive & 2nd Ave, Westdene;
• Sasol Garage: Cnr 1st Ave & St Georges Street, Willows; and
• Hoffman’s Square: Bloemfontein Central.

The hosts, Bafana Bafana, had a disappointing start to their COSAFA Cup campaign, falling 1-0 to Mozambique’s Mambas in the opening match on Wednesday (4 June) at the Toyota Stadium. The loss leaves South Africa at the bottom of their group standings, with no points after one match.

In the second game of the day, Mauritius and Zimbabwe played to a goalless draw, each earning a point. The results mean that Mozambique currently tops the group, followed by Mauritius and Zimbabwe, with Bafana yet to open their account.

The action continues on Saturday (7/6), when Mozambique faces Mauritius at 12:00, followed by a critical match for the hosts as South Africa takes on Zimbabwe at 15:00, both at the Toyota Stadium.

Mangaung Mayor Gregory Nthatisi welcomed the 14-nation tournament with enthusiasm, underlining the importance of hosting such a prestigious regional competition.

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi mvh