Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos has expressed his relief and gratitude towards the South African Football Association (SAFA) for arranging a private charter flight for the team’s upcoming trip to Uyo, Nigeria.
This vital move comes ahead of their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying match against the Super Eagles.
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Instead of enduring a gruelling 12-hour commercial flight route that includes a layover in Kigali and then a connecting flight to Uyo, the team will travel directly via a private charter.
Broos highlighted the significance of this decision, emphasizing how it showcases SAFA’s understanding of the fixture’s importance.
“I’m very happy, really. I’m very happy that we have a charter. The past few weeks, we looked at possibilities and options, but taking a regular flight was not an option. You’re in the air for 20 hours with waiting times and so on,” Broos said.
He pointed out that difficult travel arrangements might have played a role in South Africa’s recent 2-0 loss to Rwanda.
Reflecting on the logistical challenges faced during their last trip, Broos explained that Bafana had to fly to Kigali and then undertake a three-hour road journey to Butare, where the game was held.
“Now we have a charter. You step on the plane, and six hours later, you’ve arrived… I’m really happy, and I’d like to thank SAFA for the financial efforts they made.
I know it’s not cheap. They understand the importance of the game and the importance of travelling in an easy way.”
In their ongoing qualifying campaign, South Africa has already secured a win against Benin in Durban but faced a setback with a loss to Rwanda.
Currently, Bafana Bafana stands second in Group C with three points, trailing Rwanda, who tops the group with four points.
The Super Eagles, who recently drew 1-1 with Bafana at the AFCON and later lost in a penalty shootout, are third in the group with two points.
This crucial game against Nigeria not only holds significance for South Africa’s World Cup aspirations but also marks a critical test of their preparations and logistical planning, which SAFA has prioritized.
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