Bafana Bafana will face a former African champion in the international break in November! | OneFootball

In preparation for the 2026 World Cup, it looks like Bafana Bafana have a lot of work ahead.

Bafana Bafana will face a former African champion in the international break in November!

The road to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco is beginning to take shape for South Africa's Bafana Bafana, who have scheduled a telling international friendly against Zambia this November. This encounter, set for the 14th at a venue still to be confirmed by SAFA, offers a critical benchmark for a squad riding the high of a successful 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification campaign.

They will face a Zambian side, the 2012 African champions, whose own path has been far more arduous. Chipolopolo are seeking to regain their footing after a challenging World Cup qualifying run that saw them finish a distant fourth in their group, which was utterly dominated by an impeccable Morocco. These same two nations are fated to meet again in AFCON's Group A, adding a layer of intrigue to this preparatory clash.

Amidst the tactical preparations, coach Hugo Broos has ignited speculation about potential squad additions, hinting at a future conversation with Orlando Pirates defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi. (“I’m a Bafana Bafana coach and I will talk to him [Mbekezeli Mbokazi], certainly when we’re in AFCON. I will have the time. Hope he listens,”) Broos revealed, suggesting the player could be in his plans for the continental tournament.

The Belgian tactician also shared his candid thoughts on the current form of another Pirates talent, Relebohile Mofokeng, attributing a dip in performance to external pressures. (“Why is Rele not at the level he was last year? It’s very clear, they made him crazy!”) Broos remarked, pointing to the intense scrutiny affecting the young player's game.