As Nigeria Slip Again, Bafana Bafana Coach Hugo Broos Raises Alarm Over Pitch Situation in Rwanda

• Hugo Broos is concerned about the pitch situation in Butare ahead of their clash with Rwanda
• South Africa will hope to maintain their perfect start to the 2026 World Cup qualifiers
• Bafana Bafana are already in town as they look to take advantage of Nigeria’s slip

The head coach of South Africa's national football team Hugo Broos has raised the alarm over the synthetic pitch in Butare, ahead of their World Cup qualifier against Rwanda.

The 10,000-seat Stade Huye will host Rwanda’s 2026 World Cup qualifier against the South Africans on Tuesday, November 21.

Bafana Bafana's chances of qualifying for the global showpiece were handed a huge boost following Nigeria's back-to-back draws with Lesotho and Zimbabwe.

The Super Eagles were forced to a 1-1 draw by the Crocodiles of Lesotho at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo and then they managed the same scoreline against the Warriors three days later in Rwanda.

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And ahead of their game against Rwanda, Hugo Broos has cautioned his side about the conditions in Butare.

Times Live reports that cloudy conditions and temperatures of 23°C are predicted on Tuesday in the community which is about 300km south of the equator.

The tactician is particularly concerned about the synthetic pitch which he says is more than 20 years old. He said:

“It was not an easy trip, like always in Africa. And, yes, I’m wondering why we have to play in Butare.

“Second, when I saw the footage of Rwanda’s games against Zimbabwe and also in their Afcon [Africa Cup of Nations] qualifiers, I saw a bad pitch.

“That was a new generation synthetic pitch. But here it’s a synthetic pitch that is maybe 20 or 25 years old, very bad condition. It’s like you play on the street."

Bafana Bafana off to perfect start

Sports Brief earlier reported that Bafana Bafana ticked the first necessary box on route to North America.

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Broos' side laid down a marker for the rest of the group with a dominant first half that tapered off slightly in the second period.

South Africa got off to a perfect start 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification campaign with an early goal to set up the win over Benin.