DCSR MEC Leah Mabuza flanked by SAFA President Dr Danny Jordaan, Hugo Broos and his technical team and Bafana Bafana players ahead of 2026 World Cup Qualifiers against Rwanda. Picture Credit: DCSR
By Thulane Madalane
Mbombela:Last night, the MEC for Culture, Sport and Recreation, Ms. Leah Mabuza, took the time to visit the Bafana Bafana camp, delivering powerful words of encouragement as the team gears up for a pivotal World Cup qualifier against Rwanda. The match, set to take place at Mbombela Stadium, is a critical moment for South Africa as they approach this final and decisive clash in the group stage.
“Let’s rally behind our boys and fill up Mbombela Stadium!” Mabuza urged, highlighting the electric atmosphere expected from fans during the match.
As anticipation builds for the highly awaited FIFA World Cup Qualifier, the atmosphere in Mbombela is charged with excitement. Scheduled for Tuesday night, kick-off is at 18:00, and fans can expect a thrilling encounter under the floodlights.
In preparation for the large crowds anticipated at the Mbombela Stadium, strategic Park and Ride services have been organized to facilitate smooth traffic flow and alleviate congestion in the area. These designated sites are conveniently positioned along major routes leading into the city, ensuring fans can arrive safely and conveniently.
The official park-and-ride locations are as follows:
- R37 Fresh Produce Market
- R40 Hoërskool Bergvlam
- R40 Nelspruit Primary School
- Riverside Government Complex
- Lowveld High
Fans are strongly encouraged to utilize these facilities to avoid traffic delays and difficulties parking near the stadium. Shuttle services will be operational between the park-and-ride points and Mbombela Stadium from 15:00 until 22:00 post-match. Supporters aiming to park in close proximity to the stadium should ensure arrival before 16:00, as access to the stadium precinct will be restricted thereafter.
After a briefing with the Local Organizing Committee earlier in the day, MEC Mabuza expressed her assurance regarding the event’s preparations. “We are hoping for a win in this encounter, and as South Africans, we will leave nothing to chance. The same goes for ensuring a smooth event. We are ready to host a safe, exciting, and well-organized match day. The park-and-ride system has been carefully planned to ensure that everyone enjoys a smooth experience on their way to support Bafana Bafana. I would like to encourage all fans to make use of the park-and-ride and arrive early to be part of the electrifying atmosphere at Mbombela Stadium,” she stated.
The stakes are high for South Africa as they enter this crucial qualifier, with everything to play for. A victory over Rwanda, combined with a Nigeria win over Benin, would secure South Africa’s place in the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
Key striker Lyle Foster also addressed the fans, urging them to rally behind the team: “There is no reason to feel despondent. There is still so much to play for. The support we have had has been great, and we just ask for the same (in Mbombela). This is the most important game, so we ask the supporters to come out in numbers.”
As the nation prepares for this essential match, all eyes will be at Mbombela Stadium tonight, where the hopes of a nation rest on the shoulders of Bafana Bafana. Let’s come together and make our presence felt.
