Broos: I Don't Play Against Such Opponents

Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has explained how an opportunity to play Serbia ahead of the FIFA World Cup fell through, with Jamaica being their final opponents before the start of the showpiece in 10 days time.

Bafana have left for Mexico to finalise their preparations for their opening match against Mexico on June 11, and will get an oppotunity to test themselves one more time before the showpiece when they take on Jamaica on June 5.

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There was an opportunity to play a European country before the World Cup, but that fell through due to the dates that were proposed. In their preparations for the World Cup, Bafana have not been able to play a European or an Asian country, but Broos is not too worried about that. Broos went on to also reveal that they turned down opportunities to play Cuba and Belize.

"The best thing would have been to play against an Asian, a European and a middle American team. You need also the opportunities to play against them. First of all, can we go there in Europe? We have to take into account that if we played now in Europe, we would have to travel. You have to see where you are playing and you have to see if you can fly directly to Mexico," Broos said.

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"There were some possibilities, for example Serbia, but they only wanted to play May 29. But if you play on the 29th, you have to go early on the 26th, taking into account that the Sundowns players on the 25th. You know, there are some things we couldn't. Secondly, there was also the financial side. Don't think that we play against Jamaica and that we play against Panama that it's for free. SAFA has to pay a match fee. Sometimes you have to be happy that there is a game and that the opponent is a good opponent. There was a proposition of Cuba, number 174 in the world. And Belize. Belize is a middle American team and they are 180 on the rankings. I am sorry, but I don't play against such opponents. Then suddenly there was Jamaica, 74 (in the world). Okay, that's a good opportunity. You don't always get the things you wanted. I am happy with the teams we are playing."

Bafana are in Group A at the World Cup, with hosts Mexico, Czechia and South Korea.