Bafana Bafana’s coach, Hugo Broos, voiced his frustration regarding the inability of his players to conduct a training session at the match venue on Monday, which goes against FIFA regulations, ahead of their 2026 World Cup qualifier against Benin on Tuesday in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire. The Stade Félix Houphouët-Boigny was already occupied with a different World Cup qualifier between Côte d’Ivoire and Gambia on Monday night, preventing both Bafana and Benin from training there. Bafana Bafana currently leads Group C with 10 points and aims to secure a victory against second-placed Benin, who has eight points, all while being aware of Nigeria in fourth place with six points. “I must express that I’m not pleased with the decision that we can’t hold a pre-match training at the stadium where the game will occur,” Broos stated in a South African Football Association (SAFA) press release on Monday. “FIFA has a rule that each team is entitled to a 60-minute training session in the venue where they will compete the day prior to the match. I understand the situation due to another game, but it’s disappointing when those who establish the rules do not adhere to them. Will this affect the game?” I’m not sure. However, I’m aware that if I’m not present at the press conference after the game tomorrow (Tuesday), there will be penalties. We need to adhere to the guidelines. “Where can we find the guidelines now?” And you will confirm, ‘yes, that’s applicable to both teams’. I disagree. I believe Benin has already practiced in that stadium since they arrived before we did. It’s easy to advise others to “adhere to the rules” and so on. We are required to adhere to all regulations, but we have the right to practice today (Monday) at the stadium where the game is scheduled, and we are unable to do so.
