Hugo Broos on Bafana Bafana playing against Brazil or Argentina: I would like to see us play those countries but Safa cannot afford the asking price

The financial muscle needed to bring football powerhouse nations such as Brazil and Argentina are above what Safa can afford.

Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos revealed he would have love to see his team play against such strong nations but the hindrance is the affordability.

“We have to play against a Middle American team because their style is totally different,” Broos said on Monday.

“Normally, the best scenario is that you can play against an Asian team, a Middle American team, and a European team. But I talked to Lydia, the CEO, a few minutes ago, and she told me that Brazil wanted to play against us at home. I said, ‘Oh, very good, why not?’ They wanted to play in May, but they asked for $5 million (R100 000000) to come. A few months ago, Argentina also wanted to play against us in Johannesburg and they wanted €5 million (R100 000000).

“You understand, it’s easy to say ‘why not’. So, Panama is coming for free, or rather, we have to pay not only for the trip but also some money to play two games. SAFA made a big effort to have Panama.

“Now, we’ll see what we can get, either an Asian team or a European team for May. I know it’s easier with European teams because the money is there, but we don’t have that money.

“If you go play against Argentina or Brazil in FNB, it’s full, people are on the roof. When Brazil plays in Belgium, the cheapest ticket is R800, which is €40. In South Africa, nobody will pay R800 for a ticket. If that were possible, you could invite those teams because with 90,000 people, you never lose money when you can ask those prices for tickets.

“Again, I’m very happy with Panama, and I hope we can find an opponent for May, either Asian or European. It doesn’t matter, but we don’t have other choices because our preparation will be totally different from the majority of teams in the World Cup. We have to adapt to high altitude, so between June 1st and June 11th, we can play a game.”