Sportswire has learned that Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has opted to face Zambia in next month’s international friendly, turning down several other strong opponents.

The upcoming camp will be Bafana Bafana’s final gathering before the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which will take place in Morocco in December and January next year.

According to sources, Broos was cautious about selecting high-intensity opponents that could increase the risk of injuries. The Belgian mentor preferred a balanced test for his players, who have already endured a demanding year both at club and international level.

It is for this reason that Broos chose Zambia, a familiar and competitive regional rival, over other proposed opponents such as Zimbabwe — whom Bafana have faced several times recently.

Bafana Bafana and Zimbabwe were in the same group during the FIFA World Cup qualifiers, and they will meet again in the AFCON Group B, alongside Egypt and Angola.

SAFA confirmed the friendly in a statement released on Friday: “FIFA World Cup-bound Bafana Bafana will face Zambia in an international friendly match to be played at home next month.

“The match will take place in South Africa on Friday, 14 November 2025, as part of coach Hugo Broos’ preparations for this year’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

“The South African Football Association (SAFA) will confirm the match venue and ticketing details in the coming days.”

Bafana Bafana are drawn in Group B for the AFCON, where they will face Egypt, Angola, and Zimbabwe.

SAFA added: “The South Africans will open their continental campaign against Angola on 22 December 2025.

“Broos’ charges claimed a bronze medal in their last AFCON appearance, defeating DR Congo 6–5 on penalties at the Felix Houphouet-Boigny Stadium in Côte d’Ivoire in February last year.

“The South African senior men’s national team also qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, after beating Rwanda 3–0 in Mbombela, Mpumalanga, last week.”

Bafana Bafana secured their World Cup qualification despite being docked three points earlier this year for fielding an ineligible player, Teboho Mokoena, during the March qualifiers against Lesotho.

The FIFA World Cup final draw will take place on 5 December.