SA vs Canada: Which kit will Bafana wear next?

South Africa’s World Cup kit question has come to the fore as Bafana Bafana prepare to face Canada. TheSouthAfrican coverage and SAFA kit notes outline FIFA’s colour rules, how match roles affect kit choice, and what supporters are likely to wear.

Who decides which kit is worn?

FIFA requires teams to submit two playing kits for approval: one light and one dark. According to the rules quoted by the source, “In principle, each team shall wear its official team kit as declared on the team colour form.”

The same FIFA guidance says that if the two teams’ colours might cause confusion, the host team (Team A) is entitled to wear its official kit and the visiting team must use its reserve kit or a permitted combination of official and reserve items.

What the match listing means for South Africa

The fixture list names South Africa as the home side (Team A) and Canada as the away side (Team B). TheSouthAfrican report says it is believed South Africa will continue wearing their home kit a yellow shirt, green shorts and yellow socks for the match against Canada.

Could Canada be asked to change?

TheSouthAfrican coverage notes Canada’s primary kit is red. If FIFA determines the colours could cause confusion for example in certain lighting, for television, or for colour-blind viewers Canada could be instructed to wear an alternate kit, such as their black, grey and red option, or another combination of shirt, shorts and socks.

FIFA has also said kit colours remain subject to change until the match coordination meeting the day before each game.

Fans and colours

TheSouthAfrican piece notes that football fans will be wearing green and yellow on Sunday in support of Bafana Bafana.

Bottom line

Per the reporting: South Africa is listed as the home team and FIFA rules give the home side the first choice of its official kit. TheSouthAfrican says it is believed Bafana will continue in their yellow home kit for the Canada match, but final confirmation depends on FIFA’s match coordination process and any colour-clash assessments.

“In principle, each team shall wear its official team kit as declared on the team colour form,” the report cites from FIFA.