South Africa Change Venue for World Cup Qualifier vs Rwanda After Taking Nigeria to Bad Pitch
- South Africa has reportedly moved their World Cup qualifier against Rwanda to Mbombela Stadium
- This move comes after SAFA faced criticism for hosting the Super Eagles on a bad turf at the Toyota Stadium
- South Africa needs to win its last two matches against Rwanda and Zimbabwe to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup
South Africa have reportedly changed the venue for their final home game of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, with their clash against Rwanda now scheduled to be held at the Mbombela Stadium.
This decision follows heavy criticism over the poor condition of the Toyota Stadium pitch in Bloemfontein, where they hosted Nigeria in a 1-1 draw earlier this week.
Source: Getty Images
Bafana Bafana need to lose against the Super Eagles, as a defeat would put their chances of qualifying for the World Cup in jeopardy.
In comes the smart plan as the South African Football Association (SAFA) decided it was best to play the crucial qualifier against Nigeria at the bumpy pitch of the Toyota Stadium in Bloemfontein.
Bloemfontein pitch sparks outrage
The Toyota Stadium, better known for hosting rugby than football, was widely criticised immediately it was disclosed as the venue for the crucial World Cup qualifier.
During the match, both sets of players struggled to keep their footing on the uneven surface, with sections of the turf cutting up during play.
Super Eagles stars Wilfred Ndidi and Ola Aina were picked up knocks during the match, with the later suffering a hamstring injury that has ruled him out for three months after surgery.
The state of the pitch sparked anger among Nigerian fans and officials, and even South Africa coach Hugo Broos himself admitted the decision to play there was a mistake, calling it “stupid” during his post-match press conference.
SAFA, after much criticism, has now moved swiftly to avoid a repeat in their next fixtures against Rwanda.
South Africa return to Mbombela Stadium
It is now disclosed that SAFA has revealed the Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit will host the crucial clash against Rwanda, News24 reports.
Source: Getty Images
The 2010 FIFA World Cup venue is known for its football-friendly surface and facilities, making it a far better option for such high-stakes matches.
The change is also expected to give Bafana Bafana a psychological boost and a good playing surface that will enhance their chances of winning.
They have a strong record at Mbombela, with fans creating a more intimidating atmosphere than in Bloemfontein.
Impact on Group C battle
South Africa currently sit on top of Group C with 17 points, a healthy three points lead over Benin, while Nigeria are six points behind in third, as seen on FIFA.com.
A win over Rwanda could seal their ticket to the 2026 World Cup, while Nigeria must now win their final two games and hope for a slip from either South Africa or Benin to stay in contention.
For South Africa, ensuring the best possible conditions for their players could prove crucial. With a possible FIFA ruling still pending over their fielding of Teboho Mokoena against Lesotho, every point is vital.
Why Nigeria played South Africa on poor pitch
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that FIFA has explained why the crucial 2026 World Cup qualifier match between Nigeria and South Africa was played on a poor pitch in Bloemfontein.
The hosting of the match in Bloemfontein was seen by Nigerians as a plot by South Africans to gain an unfair advantage in the World Cup qualifier.
Source: Legit.ng
