The New Peter Mokaba Stadium is set to host Bafana Bafana's June Friendlies 2025 matches. Image: Bafana Banana shared via Facebook.
(The Post News)– In a surprising turn of events, Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria will not host any of Bafana Bafana’s international friendly matches scheduled for 2025. This decision has left many local fans disappointed, as the iconic stadium has been a traditional venue for the national team.
The South African Football Association (SAFA) has been actively rotating Bafana Bafana’s home fixtures across various provinces to promote the sport nationwide and ensure broader fan engagement. This strategy has seen matches played in cities like Bloemfontein and Cape Town, aiming to reach diverse audiences and strengthen the national football culture.
The team will play with Mozambique tomorrow, June 06, at 15:00, and Tanzania on June 10 at 19:30. The board decision underscores SAFA’s commitment to decentralising football events and fostering regional support.
Loftus Versfeld has a rich history of hosting significant football matches, including World Cup qualifiers and Africa Cup of Nations fixtures. Its absence from the June Friendlies 2025 schedule marks a notable shift in SAFA’s venue selection strategy. While the rotation policy aims to broaden the sport’s reach, it has inadvertently sidelined Pretoria, a city with a passionate football fanbase.
The exclusion of Loftus Versfeld from the 2025 friendly matches has sparked discussions about the balance between promoting football across the country and honouring traditional venues with dedicated fanbases. As SAFA continues its venue rotation policy, it remains to be seen when Pretoria will once again host Bafana Bafana. In the meantime, fans in the capital city will have to travel to other provinces to support their national team.
While the decision may be disappointing for Pretoria’s football enthusiasts, it highlights the evolving landscape of South African football and the ongoing efforts to engage fans nationwide.
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