South Africa confirms Mozambique as second opponent for June Friendlies

South Africa will face Mozambique as their second opponent in a pair of international friendlies scheduled for June 2025, as part of their preparations for upcoming FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

Following the earlier announcement of a match against Tanzania, Bafana Bafana will also play against regional neighbours Mozambique during the June international window.

The two fixtures are set to provide head coach Hugo Broos with an important opportunity to assess his squad ahead of more competitive fixtures later in the year.

The first match will see South Africa take on Tanzania at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria on Friday, 6 June. Four days later, Bafana Bafana will remain in the capital as they meet Mozambique at the same venue on Tuesday, 10 June. Both fixtures are expected to serve as key tune-ups for the team as they look to build momentum on the road to qualification.

These friendlies come at a critical time for South Africa’s national team setup. With the next phase of World Cup qualifiers looming, coach Broos is using this period to refine his tactical approach and give opportunities to emerging talents while also reinforcing the experience within the squad.

Last week, Broos unveiled a preliminary squad of 41 players, sparking significant discussion among supporters and analysts. The provisional list includes a mix of established names and new call-ups, with the final squad set to be announced in the coming days.

The final selection will likely reflect the coach’s broader vision for squad development as he seeks to strike a balance between continuity and fresh energy.

Mozambique, like Tanzania, is expected to offer a strong test for Bafana Bafana. While not among the traditional powerhouses of African football, both nations have shown marked improvement in recent years and are considered worthy opponents in the regional circuit.

Their inclusion in South Africa’s June schedule underlines SAFA’s intention to challenge the national team with competitive fixtures, even in a non-qualifying context.

These matches will also serve as a valuable scouting platform for Broos and his technical team. Players aiming to cement their places ahead of future qualification rounds and continental tournaments will be looking to make the most of their opportunities.

With domestic and international campaigns now winding down, all eyes will turn to how South Africa’s national side performs in these two fixtures.

South Africa’s supporters are also expected to turn out in strong numbers, particularly given the accessible location of both matches in Pretoria.

With Loftus Versfeld providing a familiar backdrop for the team, the home advantage could prove valuable in boosting confidence and cohesion within the squad.

As anticipation builds for the final squad announcement and the upcoming matches, Bafana Bafana’s June friendlies represent more than just preparation—they signal the next step in a journey toward reclaiming a place among Africa’s footballing elite.

The outcomes and performances in these games may not directly impact qualification standings, but they could play a crucial role in shaping the team’s trajectory ahead of the challenges to come.