Namibia Withdraws To Face Bafana In Fear Of Thumping

Sportswire has learned that Namibia has withdrawn from the friendly match against Bafana Bafana. This decision reportedly stems from Namibia’s assessment of the South African national team’s strength.

Instead, Namibia will now focus on participating in the COSAFA Cup, scheduled to take place next month in Bloemfontein.

Sportswire was informed in April that Bafana Bafana had lined up friendly matches against Tanzania and Namibia in South Africa. These fixtures were intended to allow coach Hugo Broos to utilize a wider pool of players, as they were designated friendly games within the CAF zone.

While Namibia has pulled out, the match against Tanzania will proceed as planned. It will be played at Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane, Limpopo, on Friday, 6 June at 19:30.

The canceled match against Namibia was slated for Loftus Stadium, four days after Bafana Bafana’s encounter with Tanzania.

A source revealed, “Namibia decided to withdraw, and they will concentrate on the Cosafa. They are scared because the team that was picked by coach Hugo Broos was a strong side. They felt their pool of players was not adequate enough to face Bafana Bafana because they were going to be left embarrassed.”

Due to Namibia’s withdrawal, prompted by concerns of a significant defeat by Bafana Bafana, a new opponent from a COSAFA nation will be sought.

Broos is keen to build a robust squad in anticipation of crucial upcoming fixtures later this year, including the resumption of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers and the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations finals in Morocco.

On Thursday, Broos announced a preliminary 41-member squad for these two international friendly matches. The team is scheduled to report for camp in Johannesburg on Sunday, 1 June, and then travel to Polokwane on the same day.

Broos opted to exclude Mamelodi Sundowns players, as they will be participating in the FIFA Club World Cup in the United States from 14 June to 13 July.

The preliminary squad will be trimmed to 23 players in the coming days when Broos announces his final list for the two matches.