South Africa will kick-start their two-match international friendlies against Tanzania at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane this evening, starting at 19:30.
South Africa head coach Hugo Broos was forced into several changes, with Mamelodi Sundowns players excluded due to their involvement in the upcoming Club World Cup that takes place in the United States.
Molde’s Samukelo Kabini and Luke Le Roux from IFK Varnamo were both included, alongside a strong contingent from Orlando Pirates, with nine players earning call-ups, including youngsters Simphiwe Selepe, Mohau Nkota and Mbekezeli Mbokazi.
Broos has also confirmed that Orlando Pirates defender Nkosinathi Sibisi will captain the team for this match.
South Africa comes into the tie on the back of successive 2-0 wins over Lesotho and Benin in World Cup qualifiers, while Taifa Stars were last in action in March, beating Congo 3-0 and losing 2-0 to Morocco.
Bafana are next in action against Mozambique, also at the Peter Mokaba Stadium, this Tuesday.
Tanzania, on the other hand, will be aiming to get back on the winning track, having suffered back-to-back 2-0 defeats against Morocco and Burkina Faso.
How to watch
Kick-off time: 19:30
Venue: New Peter Mokaba Stadium
TV channel: SABC Sport
Digital viewing: SABC+, DStv Stream
Other: SABC radio stations will provide live commentary
Players to watch
Several players are in line for their national team debut. Former Stellenbosch FC captain Deano Van Rooyen has continued with brilliance since joining Pirates at the start of the 2024/25 season, lifting the MTN8 trophy and finishing second on the Betway Premiership table. He is expected to start at the right-back position.
Relebohile Mofokeng has fitted like a glove on Broos’ set up and has been a marvel to watch. He netted the opener against Lesotho and has been of great influence on his club’s success.
All eyes will be on Kaizer Chiefs target Feisal Salum. The Azam FC midfielder is sought after by his former mentor, Nasreddine Nabi, having previously worked with him at Young Africans in Tanzania.
In the current 2024/25 campaign, Salum has already scored four goals and leads the league’s assists chart with 13, four more than his nearest competitor, Max Nzengeli. He is expected to trouble the Bafana defence.
New Peter Mokaba Stadium
The New Peter Mokaba Stadium is a striking symbol of South Africa’s sporting ambition and architectural innovation.
Built as one of five new stadiums for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, this iconic venue boasts a seating capacity of 45,500, though it was temporarily scaled down to 41,733 for the global tournament.
With its bold design and state-of-the-art facilities, the stadium helped to shine an international spotlight on the Limpopo province.
Originally, there were plans to simply upgrade the existing Old Peter Mokaba Stadium, located just to the west.
However, the vision expanded, leading to the construction of an entirely new stadium at a cost of R1.245 billion, a powerful investment in both infrastructure and national pride.
Head-to-head
02/07/2017: South Africa 0 – 1 Tanzania
14/05/2011: Tanzania 0 – 1 South Africa
Betting tips
South Africa 8/10 | Draw 19/10 | Tanzania 38/10
Value bet: Tanzania
Banker bet: South Africa
In the two previous meetings between these nations, the margins have been fine as there have been just two goals scored in as many games.
The odds are stacked against Tanzania, who are ranked 107th in the world and 24th in Africa, versus a South African side sitting in the top 10 in the continent.
Of late, Bafana have received overwhelming support in match venues and the same is expected tonight at the Peter Mokaba Stadium.
With the roar of the crowd, Tanzania should be intimidated and that will play in the favour of Bafana, who are best poised to emerge victorious. To win, head over to Hollywoodbets.net!