Former Bafana Bafana coach Augusto Palacios stated that the South African Football Association (SAFA) faced limited options when selecting Nicaragua as the training partner for the upcoming FIFA World Cup preparations.
South Africa is scheduled to face the 131st ranked team, Nicaragua, at the Orlando Amstel Arena on May 29, 2026.
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"It is quite challenging for SAFA to identify suitable opponents at this time," Palacios explained to KickOff.
"Nicaragua originates from the same region as Mexico. Central America includes countries such as Nicaragua, El Salvador, Guatemala, Panama, Costa Rica, Honduras, and Mexico, all of which are geographically and territorially connected.
"SAFA aimed to schedule a match against a team from Central America. It appears that the coach and SAFA were unable to find other opponents within the CONCACAF region. Finding a suitable opponent during this period is not an easy task.
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"Players from Mamelodi Sundowns will complete their matches after the CAF Champions League final, and the national team is expected to depart for Mexico on the 31st. Securing a friendly match during this period is considered a bonus."
Bafana Bafana is placed in Group A alongside co-hosts Mexico, the Czech Republic, and South Korea.
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Source: Kick Off
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