Bafana Bafana are back in action, and this time the whole nation will be able to watch.
SABC has officially confirmed that Saturday’s international friendly between South Africa and Zambia will be broadcast live on SABC 1 at 15:00.
BAFANA BAFANA VS ZAMBIA
Hugo Broos’ troops are in Nelson Mandela Bay for a crucial test as preparations for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) intensify.
With qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup already secured, the focus now shifts to building momentum ahead of next month’s continental tournament in Morocco.
South Africa finished third at the previous AFCON and are aiming even higher this time, chasing a first title since the famous triumph of 1996. Their opponents Zambia, champions in 2012, arrive in Gqeberha looking to rediscover their competitive edge.
Saturday’s clash at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium offers Chipolopolo a chance to measure themselves against a confident and in-form South African side.
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Zambia, who also qualified for AFCON 2025 in Morocco this December, will line up in Group A alongside the hosts, Mali, and Comoros. In the qualifiers, they finished top of Group G ahead of Ivory Coast, showing real progress under Avram Grant, the vastly experienced former Chelsea boss but sadly, he has since made a dramatic exit.
As far as their 2026 World Cup qualifiers, they finished fourth behind Morocco, Niger, and Tanzania. Chipolopolo’s star trio of Patson Daka, Fashion Sakala, and Lameck Banda will test South Africa’s defence.
SELECTED SQUAD
Goalkeepers: Ronwen Williams, Ricardo Goss, Sipho Chaine
Defenders: Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Khulumani Ndamane, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Khuliso Mudau, Thabang Matuludi, Thabo Moloisane, Aubrey Modiba, Samukelo Kabini.
Midfielders: Teboho Mokoena, Thalente Mbatha, Sphephelo Sithole, Masindi Nemtajela, Bathusi Aubaas.
Forwards: Evidence Makgopa, Tshepang Moremi, Mohau Nkota, Keletso Makgalwa, Lyle Foster, Sipho Mbule, Oswin Appollis.