Bloemfontein, South Africa — South African national team coach Hugo Broos has voiced strong dissatisfaction with the poor condition of the pitch at Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein, days ahead of crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho and Nigeria.
Broos, speaking after naming his 23-man squad, expressed disappointment that despite six weeks since the COSAFA Cup was held at the stadium in June, the pitch remained in substandard shape.
“I have been to Bloemfontein and assessed the pitch,” Broos said. “Other cities like Cape Town and Port Elizabeth have made better efforts. Even the training ground is in poor condition. While we understand we play Lesotho away first, facing Nigeria at home means we are genuinely concerned.”
Due to these pitch concerns, Broos revealed that the team will base themselves in Johannesburg until Thursday, traveling to Bloemfontein only just ahead of the matches.
Currently, South Africa tops Group C with 13 points, while Nigeria’s Super Eagles sit fourth on seven points. The first leg between the rivals in Uyo ended in a 1-1 draw.
Broos’s criticism highlights worries that a poor playing surface could undermine Bafana Bafana’s performance in these critical qualifiers.
By Enoch odesola | September 1, 2025
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