Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos has revealed the staggering financial hurdles that prevented South Africa from hosting world champions Argentina or five-time winners Brazil this month.
Instead of a ‘Clash of Titans’ at FNB Stadium, the national team will face Panama in two friendly encounters – first in Durban this Friday and then in Cape Town next Tuesday.
According to Broos, the decision came down to a flinch from a cash-strapped Safa when faced with appearance fees nearing R100 million.
Broos laid out the cold, hard numbers presented to Safa Chiefs Executive Officer Lydia Monyepao:
Brazil’s Price: Approximately $5m (R84.4m) to bring the Seleção to South African shores.
Argentina’s Price: A whopping €5m (R97.9m) to see Lionel Messi and Co. play in Johannesburg.
“It’s easy to say, ‘yeah, why not?’ but we don’t have that money,” Broos admitted.
“Safa made a big effort just to have Panama here; they are not coming for free either.”
Broos argued that a sold-out FNB Stadium (90 000 capacity) would likely have covered the costs, but the financial risk was deemed too high for the association.
While fans may be disappointed, Broos insists that 33rd-ranked Panama is the perfect tactical surrogate for South Africa’s World Cup opener against Mexico on June 11.
Panama employs the same aggressive, high-tempo Central American style as Mexico.
“It will teach us a lot about that style of playing,” Broos said. “The results are not that important, but I don’t want two defeats.”
These matches represent the final Fifa date before the tournament begins, making them the ultimate dress rehearsal for the clash at the Estadio Azteca.