Hugo Broos, Ronwen Williams to influence call on Bafana Bafana venue

The fixture could double up as a celebration of South Africa’s long-awaited return to the elite World Cup, but the Nelspruit facility has had its fair share of challenges, with previous events marred by poor traffic control and delayed kick-off times. 

SAFA president Danny Jordaan says coach Hugo Broos and captain Ronwen Williams are going to have a say on where the team should play on 14 October.

"The second match, of course, is in our hands and we are busy negotiating with the cities, and we will make the announcement soon because that is the final match," said Jordaan.

"And I just want to say Hugo Broos and Ronwen Williams gave excellent leadership to the team, and maybe as a credit to the contribution of both of them, we'll have to consult them on where they would want to have this final match.

"But they have been incredible, and we look forward to the last two games."

READ: Jordaan banking on Mbokazi U20 World Cup call-up

With Zimbabwe having been forced to use South African stadia as alternate home venues, Bafana will meet The Warriors in an away leg before facing Rwanda, and Jordaan revealed that SAFA had suggested several local venues to the Zimbabwe FA.

"The next two games, of course, are the final two games in the series of matches for qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and the first match against Zimbabwe is not in our hands," he added.

"Zimbabwe will have to decide where they want to play the game. We suggested certain cities, but it's up to them to decide where they want to play."

SABC Sport understands ZIFA are hoping the National Sports Stadium in Harare will be declared fit to stage international fixtures ahead of next month's fixture, with a CAF/FIFA inspection scheduled for next week.