Orlando confirmed despite efforts to move Bafana outside Gauteng

There has been a public outcry that Bafana rarely considers taking their fixtures around the country.  Monyepao says it’s not for the lack of trying matches against Namibia and DR Congo will be in Soweto.  

"We started by engaging other provinces first, solely because we are trying to address that issue. We engaged quite a few provinces to try and get assistance because once we leave Johannesburg the costs increase, which means you must also fly the team that comes here, to whichever provinces, or drive them there," Monyepao argued.

"At the end of the day, once they land in Johannesburg they become your responsibility," she said.

These matches are being used for Bafana’s preparations for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Ivory Coast next year, but plans to get support nationally leads to costs SAFA aren’t in a position to cover on their own. 

"If you don't have anyone else putting money on the table to try to assist us - especially as far as transport and accommodation are concerned - the bill ends up on our table and we just don't have sufficient funding." 

SABC Sport has it on good authority Limpopo was one of the provinces approached by SAFA to host the two games. However, there was no consensus, and Monyepao elaborates. 

"We engaged quite a few people but no one came back with a positive answer or a letter of commitment to say they will cover the costs, which are very key for us. Especially the match operations, and stadium operation costs." 

It therefore means Orlando Stadium gets to host another Bafana match six months being the venue for the AFCON qualifier against Liberia. 

South Africa will play Namibia on Saturday, September 9th, then DR Congo three days later, with coach Hugo Broos announcing his 23-man squad tomorrow afternoon at the SABC headquarters.