South Africa head coach Pitso Mosimane has revealed the logistical considerations behind choosing Orlando Amstel Arena in Johannesburg as the venue for Bafana Bafana's 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against Kenya.Download our Mozzart Sport app for more newsSouth Africa will host Benni McCarthy's Harambee Stars on 13 November before travelling to Nairobi for the return fixture four days later.##NAJAVA_MECA_10104169##The decision to stage the first encounter in Johannesburg has attracted attention, particularly after Orlando Amstel Arena also hosted South Africa's previous AFCON qualifier against Guinea, which marked the start of Mosimane's reign with a 2-1 victory.With other cities, including Polokwane, potentially available to host the fixture, Mosimane has explained that the choice was largely influenced by the team's travel arrangements ahead of the return leg in Kenya.Speaking to SABC after unveiling his final squad, the South African tactician said playing in Johannesburg would allow his team to depart for Kenya directly from OR Tambo International Airport, avoiding unnecessary travel and giving his players more time to recover.“The idea of the technical side for Bafana to play in Orlando Stadium is mainly based on where is the next match, when is the next match and how do you go to the next match,” he said.Ulinzi Stars coach ask fans to be patient as team struggles to find form“We had to go to Egypt and play a match in three days' time after our game against Guinea. What does that mean? It means the sooner we leave to go to the other side of the continent the better.Where do you leave from? OR Tambo International Airport and then you have to leave the same night.”Mosimane argued that selecting a venue outside Johannesburg would complicate the team's travel plans, potentially costing them valuable recovery time before facing Kenya again.He specifically cited Polokwane as an example, explaining that playing there would force the team to make a lengthy road trip back to Johannesburg before catching their flight.##NAJAVA_MECA_10104170##“If you say we play in Polokwane, who also have a right to see the match, how are you going to leave from Polokwane? I will have to drive five hours back and lose a flight, which will take me away to win one more day,” he added.The former Mamelodi Sundowns coach stressed that every extra day of preparation and recovery would be crucial, particularly with the two fixtures scheduled just four days apart.“One more day is so important to get the players fresh,” said Mosimane.McCarthy opens up on emotional Orlando return as Harambee Stars prepare for Bafana Bafana
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