South Africa head coach Hugo Broos has revealed that Brazil and world champions Argentina demanded colossal sums of money to play international friendly matches against Bafana Bafana.
Bafana Bafana will play Panama in two international friendly matches as part of preparations for the 2026 World Cup. The match will take place on March 27 in Durban and on March 31 in Cape Town.
Addressing the media on Monday, Broos disclosed that he wanted to gauge his team against mid-American sides as well as opposition from Europe and Asia.
He, however, said Brazil demanded US$5 million to play Bafana Bafana in South Africa.
“We were looking. I’ve always said, look, we have to play against a Middle American team because this is a style totally different. Normally we should; the best thing to play or the best scenario should be that you can play against an Asian team, a Middle American team and a European team,” Broos stated.
“But I talked a few minutes ago, so Lydia [Monyepao], the CEO told me Brazil wants to play against us. I said, ‘Oh, very good. ‘Why not in May?’ Yeah, they asked for five million dollars to come. A few months ago, Argentina also wanted to play in Johannesburg against us. Five million euro. You understand; it’s easy to say, ‘Why not that? Why not that?'”
Broos also commended the South African Football Association (SAFA) for arranging the two friendly matches against Panama. The Belgian coach is optimistic that another friendly match against either European or Asian opposition will be arranged during the May international window.
“So Panama is not coming free either. They are coming, but not only on the trip or whatever, no. You have to pay a sum of money to come here and to play two games. So SAFA did a big effort to have Panama,” he said.
“So now we will see what we can get, either an Asian team or a European team, for May. I know for European teams it’s easier because the money is there. We don’t have that money.
“And even because if you go and play against Argentina or Brazil in FNB, it’s full. The people are on the roof even if you don’t want them to be. But you can’t ask, you know, when Brazil should come to Belgium; the cheapest ticket should be 800 rand, or 40 euro. That’s the cheapest. You can’t ask that here in South Africa. Nobody will pay 800 rand for a ticket.”
Meanwhile, Argentina has invited Zambia for a friendly on March 31, covering all expenses, as disclosed by FAZ president Keith Mweemba.
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