Australia will play South Africa in two internationals over the next year in an agreement announced by the Australian Soccer Association (ASA) on Saturday. ASA said the Socceroos will play South Africa in London on March 30 and meet again in South Africa on February 9 next year.
On record, South Africa are the stronger team. South Africa have played Australia 17 times at senior international level between 1947 and 1996, winning 11 times with one draw and only 5 losses.
The last match against South Africa was on September 18, 1996 in Johannesburg, with Bafana Bafana winning 2-0.
The Socceroos will be playing their second match of the year, following on from the international against Venezuela in Caracas on February 18.
South Africa is ranked 36 and Australia 81 on the Fifa world rankings.
Like South Africa, Australia has also had its share of problems when requiring players from European clubs to return to play for their country.
The Australian national coach has called for tighter policies governing overseas-based players’ availability. – Sapa-AFP