Bafana Bafana v Ethiopia Double-Header Preview

Bafana Bafana’s double-header with Ethiopia could go a long way towards telling us whether or not we should get our hopes up for a potential shock appearance at next year’s FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

While South Africa’s fate doesn’t completely hinge on the clashes on Saturday and Tuesday, they will be a major test of Bafana’s mettle. Currently, Hugo Broos’ men are top of Group G and on course to progress to the third round, where they will be one aggregate victory away from qualification.

To make matters more exciting still, South Africa is ranked 73rd in the world and Ethiopia 131st, so it is reasonable to be optimistic about Bafana’s chances of claiming all six points. However, due to recent history, caution is advised.

Saturday’s match is scheduled to kick off at 15:00 SAST at the Bahir Dar Stadium, while the return fixture at the FNB Stadium on Tuesday will kick off at 18:00.

Hugo Broos Ruffles Feathers

Broos has done his best to ensure that the mistakes of the past are not repeated, demanding the highest standards of professionalism on and off the pitch.

Luther Singh, Njabulo Ngcobo, and Pule Modi were name-dropped as Broos revealed to SABC Sport that attitude and having passports ready in advance were of importance to his philosophy.

Meanwhile, he was also open about his displeasure at not having been allowed into the stadium to watch Orlando Pirates against Mamelodi Sundowns at Orlando Stadium.

This time, even the Iron Duke himself was name-dropped as Broos fumed: “The most surprising is that the chairman of the team is the vice-president of SAFA. I didn’t believe it, so we have to go back.” In a sense, Broos won that battle, as the PSL apologized to him and SAFA.

Bafana Needs to Treat Ethiopia Like Big Guns

Professionalism off the field is one issue, but Broos will also need to ensure that it does not drop on the field of play against opponents who are inferior on paper, but nevertheless dangerous.

Ethiopia’s recent 1-0 win over Zimbabwe, who held Bafana to a 0-0 draw, was a reminder that they should not be taken for granted.

Broos is set to be without his star player, Percy Tau, as he continues his journey back to full fitness with the new club Al Ahly.

More concerning than absentee issues, however, is South Africa’s record against so-called minnows in recent years.

In 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifying, they lost twice to Cape Verde — not a terrible team by any means, but one they should have done better against.

Africa Cup of Nations qualifying for the tournament the following year saw them draw 0-0 with Seychelles right off the back of a resounding 6-0 drubbing of the same opponents.

We need no reminding of the disastrous qualification campaign for the upcoming version of the continental showpiece, as South Africa was unconvincing even in their victories over São Tomé and Príncipe. Against Sudan, they were stunned 2-0 in the decisive qualifier.

Bafana has regularly held their own against the big guns of the continent and even the globe, most recently in a 1-0 win over Ghana on 6 September, but this will be a major test of a different kind for Broos’ charges — one which will tell us as much about their character as their footballing abilities.