Overview:
South Africa is caged in group C alongside the co- hosts Uganda, Niger, South Africa and Algeria. They open their campaign on Friday, 8th August 2025 against Algeria at the Mandela National Stadium, Namboole (5 pm).
The South Africa national football team of locally based players set foot in Uganda for the delayed CHAN 2024 tournament.
The delegation of over 40 people travelled aboard a Rwandair flight and arrived on Sunday morning.
They were received by the FUFA Executive committee member Agnes Mugena, who was joined by the other members of the Local Organising Committee as well as the protocol team officials.
“We are glad to welcome the delegation from South Africa. All has been well and we wish them a pleasant stay in Uganda. I also call all the fans to come to Namboole and watch the games,” Mugena remarked.
Like the rest of the three earlier delegations from Niger, Guinea and Algeria, the South African delegation was also treated to a taste of Uganda’s traditional dances and cultural music by the Crane Performers.
Some players joined the traditional dance with the Gorilla dressed gentleman (Patrick Olaupo) and a Stilt walker (with an elevated height) known as Abdul Katongole, amid jubilation and excitement from the onlookers and staff of Entebbe International Airport.
Under tight security, the team was then driven straight to the hotel (Protea Skyz) in Naguru, Kampala.
The South African head of delegation Jack Maluleka hailed the level of hospitality accorded to his team and expects a great championship in East Africa.
“We travelled well and safely. The reception we have got is top notch and excited to be in Uganda, where we have very many supporters,” Maluleka stated.
South Africa is in Group C alongside the co-hosts Uganda, Niger and Algeria.
The Bafana Bafana open their campaign on Friday, 8th August 2025, against Algeria at the Mandela National Stadium, Namboole (5 pm).
This is the first time that three countries (Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda) are co-hosting the CHAN championship.
CHAN only accommodates players who play in the domestic leagues of the participating countries.
A total of 19 countries will feature in the 8th edition of this tournament, brought forward from 2024 to 2025.
