News / National
Zimbabwwe to host Benin in South Africa
18 Feb 2025 at 03:29hrs | Views
The Zimbabwe national football team, the Warriors, will play their 2026 FIFA World Cup home qualifier against Benin at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban, South Africa, on March 20.
Zimbabwe remains without an approved venue for international matches, as renovations at the National Sports Stadium (NSS) are still ongoing and yet to meet CAF standards. The country has not hosted an international game for the past 14 months.
After struggling to secure a suitable venue, the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) settled for the Durban-based stadium following unavailability of alternatives in Polokwane, Johannesburg, and Cape Town.
ZIFA Confirms Durban as Warriors' Temporary Home
In a statement, ZIFA expressed enthusiasm over securing the world-class Moses Mabhida Stadium, which has hosted top international events, including the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
"The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) is delighted to announce that the Zimbabwe Senior Men's National Team, the Warriors, will play their Matchday 5, Group C, FIFA World Cup Qualifier against Benin at the iconic Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban, South Africa."
The statement further explained the venue selection process:
"Originally, ZIFA had planned to host this fixture in Polokwane; however, after it was allocated to Bafana Bafana in January, alternative venues had to be considered. Johannesburg's approved stadiums were unavailable due to rugby and other events, while Cape Town Stadium is undergoing pitch renovations. After an extensive search, Moses Mabhida Stadium emerged as the perfect venue – a world-class facility that has hosted top international matches and offers ideal conditions for our playing style."
ZIFA also called on Zimbabwean supporters in South Africa and beyond to come in large numbers and back the team.
"ZIFA is excited to bring the Warriors closer to their passionate supporters in Durban and across the region. We urge all Zimbabwean football fans to turn out in full force, paint the stands in yellow and green, and rally behind the team as they continue their quest for World Cup qualification."
Warriors' Fixtures: Benin & Nigeria
Following the Benin clash, Zimbabwe will travel to Nigeria for their next qualifier on March 27. The match against Benin will kick off at 6 PM, with the cheapest ticket priced at R50.
The Warriors will be looking to boost their qualification hopes, having drawn their opening two matches against Rwanda and Nigeria in the group stage.
Zimbabwe remains without an approved venue for international matches, as renovations at the National Sports Stadium (NSS) are still ongoing and yet to meet CAF standards. The country has not hosted an international game for the past 14 months.
After struggling to secure a suitable venue, the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) settled for the Durban-based stadium following unavailability of alternatives in Polokwane, Johannesburg, and Cape Town.
ZIFA Confirms Durban as Warriors' Temporary Home
In a statement, ZIFA expressed enthusiasm over securing the world-class Moses Mabhida Stadium, which has hosted top international events, including the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
"The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) is delighted to announce that the Zimbabwe Senior Men's National Team, the Warriors, will play their Matchday 5, Group C, FIFA World Cup Qualifier against Benin at the iconic Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban, South Africa."
The statement further explained the venue selection process:
"Originally, ZIFA had planned to host this fixture in Polokwane; however, after it was allocated to Bafana Bafana in January, alternative venues had to be considered. Johannesburg's approved stadiums were unavailable due to rugby and other events, while Cape Town Stadium is undergoing pitch renovations. After an extensive search, Moses Mabhida Stadium emerged as the perfect venue – a world-class facility that has hosted top international matches and offers ideal conditions for our playing style."
ZIFA also called on Zimbabwean supporters in South Africa and beyond to come in large numbers and back the team.
"ZIFA is excited to bring the Warriors closer to their passionate supporters in Durban and across the region. We urge all Zimbabwean football fans to turn out in full force, paint the stands in yellow and green, and rally behind the team as they continue their quest for World Cup qualification."
Warriors' Fixtures: Benin & Nigeria
Following the Benin clash, Zimbabwe will travel to Nigeria for their next qualifier on March 27. The match against Benin will kick off at 6 PM, with the cheapest ticket priced at R50.
The Warriors will be looking to boost their qualification hopes, having drawn their opening two matches against Rwanda and Nigeria in the group stage.
Source - The Herald
