It will no doubt have the feel of a training fixture, but it remains an important part of the build-up after what has been something of a tumultuous week, with off-field issues dominating the headlines around the team. Nothing new there, sadly.
Here are the talking points ahead of the clash.
Second-string Ghana
With the fixture falling outside the international window, Ghana’s overseas-based stars are all still with their clubs, and the country also failed to qualify for the AFCON in Morocco. That means the team sent to South Africa is essentially a CHAN selection, nicknamed the Black Galaxies, made up of locally based players only. They will also be led by coach Kassim Mingle rather than their usual tactician Otto Addo. Not much there to please the crowd, except perhaps to say goodbye to Bafana…
Bafana selections restricted too
Though all Bafana players will have arrived in camp by the time the match is played, coach Hugo Broos has already stated that he will only select those who have been in training for the first week. That means the likes of Burnley’s Lyle Foster, Tondela’s Yaya Sithole and Steaua Bucharest’s Siyabonga Ngezana will not feature. Given that the majority of the squad is home-based, this is not a major issue, but it likely ensures Evidence Makgopa will be given the chance to lead the line. How close this team will be to Broos’ AFCON starting XI (minus the overseas-based players) remains to be seen.
Two positions open
Broos likely already knows his best team, with all players fit, but there are still a few question marks. Does Mohau Nkota start on the right wing ahead of Saudi-based Elias Mokwana, or Aubrey Modiba at left-back over Samukelo Kabini from Norwegian club Molde (both overseas-based players were in camp last week)? The rest of the positions appear largely nailed on when everyone is available. It will be fascinating to see who gets the nod on Tuesday.
Decent record against Ghana
The teams have met on 15 previous occasions, with Bafana Bafana edging the head-to-head 6-5, with four draws. Their last clash was the infamous 2022 World Cup qualifier in Cape Coast, when Ghana claimed a 1-0 win via a controversial penalty to win the group and advance to the third round. That match came early in Broos’ tenure, and much has changed since then, including his selections. Only goalkeeper Ronwen Williams and midfielder Teboho Mokoena remain from that side.
Less talk, more action
After a week in which he was reported to the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) over comments made at a press conference, Broos will be happy to return to talking football. Always forthright in his views, and in keeping with the tradition of calling a spade a spade in the part of Europe he comes from, the coach found himself in the eye of a storm, though the motives behind those who lodged the SAHRC complaint seem dubious at best. But Bafana build-ups to major tournaments have rarely been smooth, one way or another, and the next drama is never far away. The team is unlikely to be too fazed by it.