The team assembled in Johannesburg on Monday, but instead of training at the Dobsonville Stadium in Soweto, where they normally fine-tune, they switched to Ellis Park in Doornfontein. This not only affected their training but also their accommodation. 

The disruption came after the team was informed on Saturday that their regular hotel booking was cancelled due to a double booking, forcing management to scramble for alternative arrangements.

Former Marumo Gallants midfielder Masindi Nemtajela could be on debut for South Africa. Photo: Morgan Piek

Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos admitted it was a bit of an irritation having to alter their plans at the last minute. Still, he is ultimately happy that Ellis Park was made available for training, praising the pitch as world-class.

“On Saturday morning, we got a message from the hotel where we usually stay that our booking was cancelled – just two days before the camp,” said Broos.

“It was a bit of a shock, but we managed to find another hotel, and I’m very happy that we could come here.”

“We also had to look for new training facilities, and I want to thank the people at Ellis Park for making the stadium available. The pitch is in great condition, so I’m very happy we can train there until Thursday.”

While the upcoming clash in the Friendly City against Chipolopolo is labelled as an international friendly, Broos insists there’s no such thing, saying his team will go all out for the win.

“For me, friendly games don’t exist – every match is important, and we have to be focused, concentrated, and try to win. I want to win on Saturday – that’s all.”

“My first idea was to leave the Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates players with their clubs because they have very busy schedules, but in the end, I changed my mind. I want to win, and it’s important for our ranking to stay in the top 10 and hopefully move up again.

“I will not accept that players take this game as a little holiday. I expect the same focus and concentration we showed in the qualifiers.

Hugo Broos. Photo: Morgan Piek

“This is also the last opportunity for me to look closely at a few players who have been doing well for their clubs, such as Keletso Makgalwa and Masindi Nemtajela. They deserve the chance to be with us and show what they can do.”

Bafana will fly out to the Eastern Cape later in the week and have their captain’s run at the stadium the day before the game.

Saturday’s match at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium will kick off at 15:00.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek cvs