Bafana Bafana’s Rotating Home Games: A Winning Formula
The decision to spread Bafana Bafana’s home games across various cities in South Africa has been a masterstroke, injecting new energy into the national team’s campaigns and fostering greater national pride. This approach has allowed fans from all corners of the country to experience the thrill of supporting their team in person while utilizing all CAF-approved stadiums.
A Winning Streak Across the Nation
Over the last five home games in either World Cup or AFCON qualifiers, Bafana Bafana has played in Durban, Bloemfontein, Johannesburg, Gqeberha, and Cape Town, producing impressive performances on the field and excellent fan engagement off it.
The journey began in Durban at the iconic Moses Mabhida Stadium, where Bafana defeated Benin 2-1 in November last year during the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. The match attracted a decent crowd of nearly 20,000 spectators, setting a strong precedent for the campaign.
Next, the Free State Toyota Stadium in Bloemfontein saw a sold-out crowd for a 3-1 victory over Zimbabwe, energizing local fans with a thrilling display.
In Johannesburg, Orlando Stadium hosted a 2-2 draw against Uganda in the first AFCON qualifier. While the result was evenly matched, the sizable crowd demonstrated the enduring passion for Bafana in the country’s biggest city.
Gqeberha’s Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium then witnessed a dominant 5-0 victory over Congo in front of a near-capacity crowd. The performance underscored the team’s potential and delighted the Eastern Cape faithful.
Finally, Cape Town Stadium played host to Bafana’s emphatic 3-0 win over South Sudan. With qualification already secured, the picturesque venue came alive under floodlights, with fans filling the stands to cheer their team.
Expanding the Hosting Roster
This strategy leaves other top-notch venues like Peter Mokaba Stadium (Polokwane), Royal Bafokeng Stadium (Rustenburg), Mbombela Stadium (Nelspruit), and Loftus Versfeld Stadium (Pretoria) eager to join the rotation.
The Peter Mokaba Stadium last hosted Bafana in 2017 during a World Cup qualifier against Senegal under then-coach Stuart Baxter. Since then, the venue has not been part of the national team’s campaigns.
Royal Bafokeng, Mbombela, and Loftus Versfeld Stadiums have also seen limited Bafana action in recent years. Incorporating these venues into the schedule would further strengthen the connection between the team and its diverse supporter base while maximizing the use of South Africa’s world-class facilities.
March 2025: A New Chapter
Looking ahead, Bafana Bafana will return to action in March 2025 for a World Cup qualifier against Lesotho. This match presents an opportunity to bring the game to another city, ensuring more fans can experience the electrifying atmosphere of live international football.
A Model for Success
By rotating home games across the nation, Bafana Bafana has reignited local passion for the national team and created a truly inclusive football experience. This strategy not only strengthens support for the team but also showcases South Africa’s exceptional stadiums on the international stage.
As Bafana continues to rise in FIFA rankings and deliver strong performances, the benefits of this approach are clear: a united fanbase, revitalized enthusiasm for the game, and a national team inspired to achieve even greater heights.
