The international friendly between Bafana Bafana and Zambia has been called off due to the current xenophobia-related violence in South Africa.

The two nations were set to play each other in Lusaka on Saturday, but the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) decided against hosting South Africa while foreign citizens are still being targeted in the country.

The game will now be played during the next international break in October.

Meanwhile, since learning of the cancellation of the match on Tuesday, Safa began efforts to find a late replacement for Saturday’s match and are currently talking to one Cosafa country which has shown interest.

The following brief statement on the matter was released:

‘The Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) regrets to inform members of the public that the international friendly match between Zambia and South Africa that was scheduled for National Heroes Stadium on Saturday, 7 September 2019, has been called off in view of the prevailing security concerns in South Africa.

‘FAZ General Secretary Adrian Kashala has relayed the message to the South African Football Association (Safa) about the decision.’