Zimbabwe’s ‘Warriors’ Aim to Slay Bafana Bafana in World Cup Qualifier
Zimbabwe’s senior men’s soccer team is gearing up for a crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup Group C qualifier against South Africa tomorrow at the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontoin.
The Warriors, who currently sit at the bottom of the 6-team group, will be looking to bounce back from their shock 2-0 defeat to surprise group leaders Lesotho last Friday. Coach Jairos Tapera is expected to make changes to the starting lineup that was uninspiring in that loss.
“We were disappointed with the result against Lesotho. We played good football but we often switched off when it mattered and we were duly punished,” Tapera said. “But we can’t continue to cry over spilt milk with the battle against South Africa beckoning.”
Tapera revealed that he will hand debuts to some new players in the squad and will likely shuffle the defensive and midfield units. Goalkeeper Donavan Bernard could make way for Martin Mapisa, while veteran centre-backs Gerald Takwara and Teenage Hadebe may be replaced by Godknows Murwira and Munashe Garan’anga. Midfield workhorse Richard Hachiro could also earn a starting berth.
“Without any doubt, we are looking at shuffling in the defensive third as well as in the midfield and see what works,” said Tapera. “We have quality players coming from all over the world and that gives us wings going into the showdown against South Africa.”
South Africa, who managed a draw against Nigeria in their last outing, will start as favorites, but Zimbabwe’s camp is confident they can pull off an upset, especially with the Bafana Bafana squad having to travel over 9,000km for their previous match.
“Obviously we are not as fatigued as South Africa. We are in good condition and we should fully focus when we troop into the field of play against Bafana Bafana,” Tapera added.
The battle between the two southern African rivals promises to be a thrilling affair, with both teams desperate for the points to boost their chances of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup in Canada, Mexico and the United States.
