Warriors brace for Bafana Bafana

STAFF WRITER

Zimbabwe’s Warriors are bracing for a fierce World Cup qualifying battle against neighbours South Africa tomorrow evening, with head coach Michael Nees stressing the need for tactical sharpness and composure ahead of the high-stakes encounter at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban.

The clash carries more than just points, it’s a test of regional pride, resilience, and preparation for the Africa Cup of Nations finals, where the two Southern African sides will again share a group.

“We must be tactically disciplined and apply the right strategy,” said Nees, speaking ahead of the team’s final training sessions. “We have all the players in a proper state on board. That’s two sessions where we can work on our strategy, on our tactical aspects. These two sessions will be important.”

The Warriors’ technical team is banking on a balance between youthful energy and experienced heads to unsettle Bafana Bafana, who are desperate to reclaim control of Group C in the CAF FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

Hugo Broos’ South African side were cruising atop the group with 17 points before FIFA docked them three for fielding the ineligible Teboho Mokoena in a March clash against Lesotho. The sanction saw them slip behind Benin on goal difference, both sitting at 14 points.

According to Raymond Hack, a former South African Football Association (SAFA) CEO and a FIFA Disciplinary Committee member, there is no realistic chance that the appeal to overturn the deduction will succeed.

“The regulations are clear. Once a player is declared ineligible, the match is forfeited and that’s final,” Hack  said.

Yet even with the setback, Bafana Bafana retain what Benin coach Gernot Rohr described as a “crazy advantage”, the luxury of playing their so-called away fixtures on home soil due to stadium ineligibility in neighbouring nations.

Tomorrow’s clash against Zimbabwe, officially an away fixture for South Africa, will still be played in Durban.

For Broos, this represents a golden opportunity to restore momentum ahead of their decisive final group match against Rwanda on October 14.

Victory against Zimbabwe would return Bafana to the summit of Group C, keeping their automatic qualification hopes alive for the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.

For Nees and his Warriors, the challenge is formidable but not insurmountable.

The team, buoyed by a mix of domestic league stars and foreign-based professionals, has shown flashes of cohesion since regrouping under the German tactician. The emphasis now, Nees said, is on maintaining focus and executing the game plan under pressure.

“These matches are vital, not only for our World Cup campaign but also as part of our preparation for AFCON,” he added. “Facing South Africa now gives us a clear picture of where we stand and what we must improve.”