South Africa vs Tanzania – Bafana Bafana step into the spotlight this evening as they face Tanzania in an international friendly at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane. With the FIFA 2026 World Cup qualifiers and the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations on the horizon, this match forms a vital part of coach Hugo Broos’ preparation phase.
The encounter gives the Bafana Bafana mentor a chance to experiment with new faces and formations, especially in the absence of Mamelodi Sundowns players, who have been given a breather after a packed season.
South Africa vs Tanzania Live Stream and Kick-Off
- Match: South Africa vs Tanzania
- Date: Friday, 6 June 2025
- Time: 19:30 (SA time)
- Venue: Peter Mokaba Stadium, Polokwane
LIVE STREAM HERE:
Fresh Faces Set for National Debut
Coach Broos has taken this friendly as an opportunity to hand national call-ups to several players who haven’t yet featured at senior level. Among the debutants are Mohau Nkota, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Deano Van Rooyen, and Simphiwe Selepe, who are expected to get a run tonight.
South Africa’s starting line-up features:
Chaine, Mobbie, Basadien, Mbokazi, Moloisane, Le Roux, Mbatha, Maswanganyi, Mofokeng, Appollis, and Cupido — many of whom are eager to impress and secure future call-ups.
With seasoned Sundowns stars not available, it opens the door for fringe players to step up and stake a claim for a permanent spot ahead of competitive fixtures later this year.
Tanzania Name Strong Squad
On the other side, Taifa Stars coach Hemed Suleiman has brought along a relatively strong side, including several players who have recently been regulars in his squads. The East Africans are also using the fixture to assess their squad depth, but unlike Broos, Suleiman is leaning more toward established names.
Interestingly, some players in the Tanzania squad are also participating in the ongoing COSAFA Cup, adding another layer of intrigue to the match.
Previous Meetings and Current Form
There’s not much recent history between the two teams. Since 2011, they’ve clashed only twice — with each side recording one victory apiece.
Broos’ men are riding a positive wave of results, with their last defeat from open play coming back in January 2024 against Mali during the AFCON. Since then, the national side has shown consistency, particularly in key qualifiers and friendlies.
Tanzania, however, have struggled to find form, going winless in their last four fixtures across all competitions. That dip in performance will be on their minds heading into this match, making them a dangerous side with a point to prove.
Final Whistle Could Signal New Beginnings
Tonight’s fixture may be a friendly on paper, but it carries far greater implications for both nations. For Bafana Bafana, it’s a crucial platform for Broos to assess squad depth and test tactical ideas. For Tanzania, it’s a chance to rediscover form and build momentum ahead of the next phase of international fixtures.
As fans gear up to tune in from across the country, the clash in Polokwane promises excitement, experimentation, and perhaps the emergence of new national heroes.
Also read: Bafana Bafana Squad: Mbokazi, Nkota Among Four First-Time Selections
