South Africa boss Hugo Broos frustrated ahead of crucial 2026 World Cup qualifier

Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos is fuming ahead of South Africa’s crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Benin on Tuesday.

The experienced tactician is frustrated after discovering that his team won’t be allowed to train at the Stade Félix Houphouët-Boigny in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, a day before the match.

Due to unsuitable stadiums in Benin, the country will host the fixture in the Ivory Coast.

However, a scheduling conflict has complicated matters.

Ivory Coast are set to face Gambia at the same venue on Monday night, leaving both Bafana Bafana and Benin without access to the pitch for a pre-match training session.

Hugo Broos is unimpressed, pointing out that FIFA regulations entitle visiting teams to a one-hour training session on the matchday venue’s pitch the day before the match.

“I have to say, I’m really not satisfied with this decision,” Hugo Broos said.

“Fifa rules state that every team has the right to a 60-minute training session in the stadium where the match takes place.

“But now, suddenly, we can’t. I understand the situation because of the other game, but when those making the rules don’t follow them, it’s a big problem.”

The Bafana coach also raised concerns about whether Benin had already trained at the venue, suggesting a possible unfair advantage.

“We have to follow the rules, but where are the rules now? People will say it applies to both teams, but I don’t think so. I believe Benin has already trained there because they arrived before us,” he added.

“This is not honest, and it’s not correct.”