Last Chance Saloon: Bafana face Jamaica in World Cup dress rehearsal
South Africa will look to wrap up their 2026 Fifa World Cup preparations with a morale-boosting victory over Jamaica in an international friendly match set for Friday. Kick-off is at 2:00 pm CAT.
CURRENT FORM
Advertisement
Bafana Bafana head into the match in solid spirits after qualifying for the World Cup - their first appearance since 2010 - and will be eager to build momentum with a strong performance against the Reggae Boyz.
However, South Africa are winless in their last four matches (two draws and two defeats) and will be desperate to end that streak and fine-tune their squad for their clash against Mexico on 11 June in the World Cup opener.
Jamaica, ranked 71st in the Fifa world rankings, arrive following a mixed run, including a heavy 3-0 defeat to Nigeria in the Unity Cup final and failure to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.
The Reggae Boyz have struggled for consistency lately, winning just one of their last three matches, but will see this as a good opportunity to test themselves against another top African opponent.
TEAM NEWS
As the head coach, Hugo Broos, decides his preferred starting XI for the tough World Cup opener against Mexico, South Africa are expected to be without Aubrey Modiba, as he will not be risked. This means Samukele Kabini and Bradley Cross will get valuable game time.
Jamaica, on the other hand, are travelling with a relatively young and experimental squad, missing several Europe-based senior stars due to rest. England-based attackers Leon Bailey and Demarai Gray will be rested - a decision made by interim coach Rudolph Speid.
WHAT WAS SAID?
South Africa coach Hugo Broos:
“The Jamaica game is something we needed. We played last week against Nicaragua, but the time between that game and the first game against Mexico was too long. So I’m happy. I’m happy with Jamaica. They are 71st on the rankings," Broos said.
"So, it will be a good opponent, and for us, it will be the last test before that opening game. So again I’m very happy with it. I hope that opponent will play football against us, and that can be the first indication of the squad that will start against Mexico. I have something in my head, and I will see if we can use that in our first game against Mexico.”
Jamaica coach Rudolph Speid:
“There are no regrets because we actually found some really good players who can serve Jamaica for the future, and look here, if you ever come to a tournament and leave with about four or five players that you see can help the country in the future, that is a win for us," Speid said.
“We came here and we really wanted to win the competition because we believe in winning, but this has been the youngest national team ever to play for Jamaica. We picked a lot of young players and even after the first game, the team got even younger. Some of the players, for personal reasons, had to withdraw from the squad.”
HEAD-TO-HEAD
This will be the sixth meeting between South Africa and Jamaica.
Bafana Bafana have never lost to the Reggae Boyz, holding a record of one win and four draws.
Bafana won the last encounter 2-0 in a friendly match played in Germany in April 2010.
--------------------------------
Where to watch the FIFA World Cup 2026™
Fans can watch every FIFA World Cup 2026™ match live on DStv Premium, Compact Plus, Compact, Family and Access. All matches are also available to stream on supported packages, ensuring flexible viewing options wherever you are.
How to stream the FIFA World Cup 2026™
With DStv Stream, you can follow every match anytime, anywhere. Download the app and enjoy seamless live streaming on the go.
Advertisement