Bafana Bafana Aim High, Get Fixture Against World Champions France

Bafana Bafana Aim High, Get Fixture Against World Champions France

Keba Mothoagae
updated at April 12, 2023 at 7:54 PM
  • The national soccer team will test its standings on the world stage when it takes on world champions France in March
  • The South African Football Association had been looking for high profile fixtures to help them prepare for future competitions
  • After battling the French, Bafana Bafana will then lock horns with southern African rivals Zambia

South Africa will be put through the ultimate test as they take on world champions France in an international friendly set for March.

The South African Football Association had been looking for two high profile opponents for the international fixture window later that month. This was to make up for missing out on the win-and-you're-in 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifying playoffs in the CAF zone to be held that week.

bafana bafana, france, international friendly, hugo broos, south africa, 2010 fifa world cup, 2018 fifa world cup, world champions, les bleus
Katlego Mphela scores against France at the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Image source: Hoang Dinh Nam/Getty Images
Source: Getty Images

As reported on Goal.com, after Bafana Bafana takes on Les Bleus, they will then lock horns with southern African rivals Zambia. The venues of these fixtures were yet to be revealed.

Bafana and France last met at the 2010 FIFA World Cup held in Mzansi, with the home team running out 2-1 winners, though the famous result could not catapult them into the knockouts of that edition of the global showpiece event. As per 11v11, both nations have met in four previous fixtures, with the French winning two, South Africa winning one, and also one draw.

According to the Sunday Times, coach Hugo Broos said these tough fixtures would prepare his team for future competitions down the line.

"Those are the two matches to prepare us for the [2023] Afcon qualifiers in June. You are playing against the world champions. Strong opposition give you proper preparation. Even if you lose the games it is not a train smash."

Bonang Matheba laments Bafana Bafana's absence at AFCON 2021

While fans can look forward to taking on the world's best, they still have to get past Bafana's absence at at the 2021 African Cup of Nations in Camerooon.

As reported on Sports Brief, media mogul Bonang Matheba expressed sadness at this fact, encapsulating the disappointment everyone else feels at home.

She tweeted out to her more-than five million followers, drawing an overwhelming response of agreement.

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Keba Mothoagae
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