Bafana Bafana vs Taifa Stars: Everything You Need to Know About the Highly Anticipated International Friendly
South Africa’s Bafana Bafana continue their preparations for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers and the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations with a highly anticipated international friendly against Tanzania’s Taifa Stars. The clash offers a valuable opportunity for both sides to fine-tune their squads ahead of crucial competitive fixtures later this year.
Scheduled to take place on Friday, June 6, 2025, at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane, this encounter will also give Bafana coach Hugo Broos a chance to assess several fringe players eager to stake their claim for future selections.
Fans eager to watch this exciting match can do so through SABC Sport on television or via the SABC App for online streaming. Real-time updates and live text commentary will also be available on GOAL‘s website for those unable to tune in live.
With several Mamelodi Sundowns players unavailable, Hugo Broos has used this friendly to cast a wider net, handing opportunities to emerging talent. Young prospects Mohau Nkota, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Deano Van Rooyen, and Simphiwe Selepe are expected to feature and could make their international debuts. The South Africa squad includes Chaine, Mobbie, Basadien, Mbokazi, Moloisane, Le Roux, Mbatha, Maswanganyi, Mofokeng, Appollis, and Cupido. Broos remains undefeated in open play in recent months, with Bafana Bafana’s last loss coming in January 2024 against Mali during the 2021 AFCON.
The Taifa Stars, led by coach Hemed Suleiman, are expected to field a strong lineup. Suleiman will use the friendly to provide game time to several players who have not featured prominently in recent matches. Interestingly, some members of Tanzania’s squad are also involved in the ongoing COSAFA Cup, adding extra depth to their player pool for this fixture. Tanzania have been inconsistent of late, going winless in their last four outings across all competitions. However, this friendly provides a prime opportunity to regain momentum heading into the qualifiers.
The head-to-head record between the two nations is evenly balanced. Since 2011, South Africa and Tanzania have met twice in official competitions, with each side recording a win. Bafana Bafana come into the match in strong form, boasting an unbeaten run in open play stretching back to January. Conversely, Tanzania will be eager to reverse their recent fortunes and notch a morale-boosting victory.
For South Africa, this fixture represents a critical step in preparing for the rigorous schedule ahead, especially with a younger crop of players vying to impress Hugo Broos and break into the senior setup. For Tanzania, it’s a chance to fine-tune their tactics and integrate less experienced players in a competitive setting, while also building confidence ahead of their own qualifying campaigns.
As anticipation builds ahead of Friday’s showdown at the Peter Mokaba Stadium, both Bafana Bafana and the Taifa Stars will view this friendly as more than just a warm-up. For the players, it’s a golden opportunity to showcase their talent on the international stage and strengthen their claims for selection in the high-stakes matches to come. With two proud footballing nations set to collide, fans can expect a spirited and entertaining encounter under the Polokwane lights.
