Benjamin Wickham
JOHANNESBURG, Sept. 9 — In what promises to be another thrilling encounter, Hugo Broos’ Bafana Bafana will square off against Namibia at Orlando Stadium on Saturday, adding another chapter to their long-standing football rivalry. While both teams have significant matches ahead, this friendly match serves as a testament to the history and spirit of competition that exists between these two neighbouring nations.
Since their inaugural match in 1998, South Africa and Namibia have clashed on the football pitch twelve times. These encounters have not only showcased their footballing prowess but have also illuminated the passionate rivalry between the two sides.
Here, we delve into the archives to revisit the memorable moments and outcomes of their previous meetings over the years:
**Total Matches Played:** 12
**Bafana Bafana Wins:** 7
**Namibia Wins:** 2
**Draws:** 3
**1998 COSAFA Cup:**
– Bafana Bafana 2–3 Namibia
– Notable Goal Scorers: Philemon Masinga, Thabo Mooki (Bafana Bafana); Stanley Goagoseb, Bimbo Tjihero, Berlin Auchumeb (Namibia)
Namibia delivered a stunning upset during the 1998 COSAFA Cup, defeating South Africa 3-2 in Windhoek. This victory marked a historic moment as Namibia became only the third South African team, after Zambia and Zimbabwe, to achieve this feat.
**1998 AFCON Group C Match:**
– Bafana Bafana 4-1 Namibia
– Notable Goal Scorer: Benni McCarthy (Bafana Bafana); Simon Uutoni (Namibia)
Bafana Bafana managed to exact their revenge on Namibia with a resounding 4-1 victory during an AFCON group match. Benni McCarthy’s incredible four-goal performance during this match catapulted him to football stardom.
**1999 COSAFA Cup Quarter-Final:**
– Bafana Bafana 1-1 Namibia (Namibia won 4-1 on penalties)
– Notable Goal Scorer: Pollen Ndlanya (Bafana Bafana); Johannes Hindjou (Namibia)
In a COSAFA Cup quarter-final clash, Bafana Bafana opened the scoring with Pollen Ndlanya’s goal, but Namibia fought back, eventually winning 4-1 on penalties to secure a spot in the semi-finals.
**2006 International Friendly Match:**
– Bafana Bafana 1-0 Namibia
– Notable Goal Scorer: Katlego Mashego (Bafana Bafana)
In August 2006, Bafana Bafana narrowly defeated Namibia 1-0 in Windhoek, with Katlego Mashego’s second-half goal proving to be the difference.
**2008 COSAFA Cup:**
– Bafana Bafana 1-0 Namibia
– Notable Goal Scorer: Rooi Mohamutsa (Bafana Bafana)
Rooi Mohamutsa’s early goal secured a 1-0 victory for Bafana Bafana in the 2008 COSAFA Cup, a year in which they would go on to win the tournament.
**2010 International Friendly Match:**
– Bafana Bafana 1-1 Namibia
– Notable Goal Scorer: Katlego Mphela (Bafana Bafana); Rudolf Bester (Namibia)
A draw marked this international friendly match in 2010, with Katlego Mphela rescuing Bafana Bafana after Namibia initially took the lead through Rudolf Bester.
**2013 COSAFA Cup Quarter-Final:**
– Bafana Bafana 2-1 Namibia
– Notable Goal Scorers: Hlompho Kekana, Jabulani Shongwe (Bafana Bafana); Willy Stephanus (Namibia)
Namibia faced a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Bafana Bafana during the 2013 COSAFA Cup quarter-finals. Jabulani Shongwe and Hlompho Kekana found the net for Bafana, securing their spot in the semi-finals.
**2017 COSAFA Cup Plate Final:**
– Bafana Bafana 1-0 Namibia
– Notable Goal Scorer: Mohau Mokate (Bafana Bafana)
Mohau Mokate’s goal proved decisive as Bafana Bafana won the 2017 COSAFA Cup Plate Final.
**2018 COSAFA Cup Plate Semi-Final:**
– Bafana Bafana 4-1 Namibia
– Notable Goal Scorers: Maphosa Modiba, Lebohang Maboe, Siyanda Xulu (Bafana Bafana); Deon Hotto (Namibia)
Bafana Bafana dominated Namibia, securing a 4-1 victory in the 2018 COSAFA Cup Plate Semi-Final.
**2019 AFCON Group Match:**
– Bafana Bafana 1-0 Namibia
– Notable Goal Scorer: Bongani Zungu (Bafana Bafana)
During the 2019 AFCON, Bafana Bafana secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Namibia, thanks to Bongani Zungu’s crucial goal.
**2020 International Friendly Match:**
– Bafana Bafana 1-1 Namibia
– Notable Goal Scorers: Luther Singh (Bafana Bafana); Absalom Nanjana Kamutyasa Imbondi (Namibia)
In a friendly match in 2020, Bafana Bafana and Namibia played to a 1-1 draw, with Luther Singh and Absalom Imbondi among the goal scorers.
**2023 COSAFA Cup Group Match:**
– Bafana Bafana 1-1 Namibia
– Notable Goal Scorers: Rowan Human (Bafana Bafana); Elmo Kambindu (Namibia)
The latest encounter between these two neighbours ended in a 1-1 draw during the 2023 COSAFA Cup.
As these two nations prepare to add another chapter to their football rivalry, history tells us that every match between Bafana Bafana and Namibia is a contest worth watching, filled with thrilling moments and fierce competition.
