SAFA Criticised for Scheduling Friendly Against ‘No Longer Our Level’ Zambia

01.11.2025 | Football DNA ⚽️

South Africa legend Mlungisi Ngubane has questioned the South African Football Association’s (SAFA) decision to line up a friendly match against Zambia, arguing that Bafana Bafana should be testing themselves against stronger opponents ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Ngubane believes that while Zambia remains a respected side on the continent, the fixture does not serve South Africa’s broader ambitions of competing at the highest level globally.

“Are we still playing against teams like Zambia? I thought we had moved past that stage; teams like Zambia are no longer on our level. We’ve gone past that stage,” Ngubane told KickOff.

The outspoken former player and coach suggested that Bafana should instead be facing countries with recent World Cup credentials.

“We should be competing against teams like Cape Verde, who qualified for the World Cup without any challenges.

We need to schedule friendlies against countries like Morocco. We should be facing teams that have also qualified for the World Cup, just like us.”

Ngubane warned that focusing on African Cup of Nations-level opposition could derail South Africa’s long-term objectives.

“Our focus should be on preparing for the World Cup, not the AFCON. Otherwise, come January, we’ll have to start planning for the World Cup with less than five months to go,” he added.

The former Amazulu mentor went even further, saying South Africa should be testing themselves against elite footballing nations.

“We should consistently beat teams like Zambia without difficulty in AFCON tournaments. Right now, we need to be playing friendlies against teams like Brazil and Germany, which are fellow World Cup participants like us,” he concluded.

Ngubane’s remarks have sparked debate among fans and analysts, with some agreeing that South Africa must aim higher, while others argue that Zambia, a 2012 AFCON champion, remains a worthy and competitive opponent.

Source: Goal/KickOff

Meanwhile, FAZ has confirmed Clinching South Africa and Burundi Friendlies

The Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) has officially confirmed two international friendly matches for the Chipolopolo during the upcoming November FIFA Window.

FAZ General Secretary Machacha Shepande announced that Zambia will face World Cup-bound South Africa and Burundi as part of their continued preparations for the Morocco 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

“The Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) has organised two high-profile international friendly matches for the Chipolopolo during the upcoming FIFA Window which runs from 10–18 November,” said Shepande.

“Zambia will play South Africa on November 15 before heading to Bujumbura for the Burundi assignment three days later.”

He emphasized that the matches are crucial for Zambia’s AFCON build-up and confirmed that all top players will be available for selection.

Shepande added that FAZ is committed to ensuring that the Chipolopolo arrive at the 2025 AFCON well-prepared for the challenge ahead.

Zambia is drawn in Group A alongside Morocco, Mali, and Comoros for the Morocco 2025 AFCON, which will take place from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026.