Butare, Rwanda – South Africa’s national football team, Bafana Bafana, underwent a grueling 10-hour journey from Johannesburg to Butare, Rwanda, as they gear up for the crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Rwanda this Tuesday. The team encountered a challenging travel schedule, including a three-hour bus trip to their final destination in Butare.

According to South African Football Association, South African head coach Hugo Broos expressed concerns over the strenuous travel and the condition of the pitch at Huye Stadium. Despite these challenges, the team remains focused on the upcoming match. “The team wants to go far in the World Cup, and they will go far,” Broos said, emphasizing the team’s professionalism and positive mindset.

Broos also discussed the challenges of playing on a synthetic pitch, noting its poor maintenance and the different ball bounce it presents. The team is preparing for a demanding match, with Broos prioritizing a fighting spirit over aesthetic play due to the pitch conditions and injuries to key players Mothobi Mvala, Aubrey Modiba, and Evidence Makgopa.

Player Khuliso Mudau, who scored in Bafana Bafana’s recent 2-1 victory against Benin, expressed confidence ahead of the match against Rwanda. The game, scheduled to be held at the 20,000-seater Huye Stadium, is set to kick off at 3 pm local time.