The South African Football Association has confirmed that Bafana Bafana will set up camp in Pachuca, Mexico, as part of their preparations for the upcoming World Cup assignment.
South Africa’s senior national team will be based in Pachuca, where they will train at the renowned Universidad del Futbol. The squad will be accommodated at the Camino Real Pachuca, located just a few kilometres from their training venue, ensuring minimal travel disruption during the build up.
Head coach Hugo Broos has already inspected the facilities and expressed strong satisfaction with what he described as an ideal environment for high level preparation.
“I’m very pleased with the facilities and the two nice pitches where we can train. The fitness rooms, the hospital and everything we need to have a good preparation for that match,” said Broos.
A key factor in selecting Mexico as a base is the challenge posed by altitude, particularly with a crucial fixture against the host nation looming. Broos made it clear that acclimatisation was central to his thinking once the group stage picture became clear.
“Once the composition of the group was known, I knew that the game against Mexico should be a special match for us, not because it’s Mexico, but because we had to play that game at high altitude,” he explained.
The Belgian tactician also reflected on his personal history in the country, recalling his appearance at the 1986 FIFA World Cup with Belgium, an experience that gives him added perspective on the unique conditions.
“I was also here in the 1986 World Cup with Belgium as a player,” he added. “So there were a few other options, but one thing that was important to me was that we should already be in Mexico and start the high altitude camp, and not have a trip again.”
By opting to settle early in Mexico, SAFA and the technical team hope to eliminate unnecessary travel and allow players to fully adapt to the environment before the tournament intensity kicks in.