Venue confirmed for Pitso's first Bafana match!
by Siya Ndlela · KickOffThe South African Football Association (SAFA) has confirmed the match venue where newly reappointed Pitso Mosimane will kick off Bafana Bafana’s 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign.
"Jingles" was dramatically unveiled to the nation on 1 September 2026, succeeding Belgian tactician Hugo Broos, who stepped down in July following a historic knockout-stage run at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Mosimane’s immediate and non-negotiable mandate is ensuring South Africa qualifies for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
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A return to Soweto for Bafana and Pitso
The association has now locked down a venue for his opening match, confirming that South Africa will host Guinea on Saturday, 26 September 2026, at the newly renamed Orlando Amstel Arena in Soweto.
To aid him in this high-pressure test, SAFA confirmed yesterday that tactical mastermind Morena Ramoreboli has been appointed as Mosimane's right-hand assistant coach.
The 45-year-old boasts elite continental pedigree, having recently resigned from his post as Botswana national team head coach after successfully masterminding the Zebras' historic qualification for the upcoming 2025 AFCON.
Ramoreboli is also highly revered in local football circles for famously steering a makeshift Bafana Bafana squad to the COSAFA Cup title back in 2021.
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Bafana's tricky group for AFCON
South Africa find themselves in a competitive qualifying group where slip-ups will not be tolerated, sharing the stage with Guinea and Eritrea as they battle for a ticket to the tournament.
Following the high-stakes battle against the Guineans in Soweto, Mosimane's charges will quickly turn their focus to a tricky away fixture against Eritrea just four days later, scheduled for Wednesday, 30 September.