News / National
Warriors shift World Cup Qualifier against Bafana to Botswana
19 Sep 2025 at 19:06hrs | 125 Views
The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) has announced a surprise venue change for next month's 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against South Africa, with the fixture now set for the Obed Itani Chilume Stadium in Francistown, Botswana, on October 10.
The match was initially scheduled to take place in South Africa, where Zimbabwe have been staging their home internationals due to a FIFA ban on local stadiums failing to meet required standards. Popular venues such as Orlando Stadium had previously been used.
ZIFA said the switch to Botswana was aimed at creating a "logistical and fan-friendly environment" for supporters, though the decision has left many puzzled given the Warriors' slim prospects in the qualifiers.
South Africa currently lead Group C with 17 points from eight matches, positioning themselves strongly for a place at the finals. Zimbabwe, meanwhile, are rooted to the bottom with just four points and have managed only two wins from their last 27 World Cup qualifiers dating back to 2010.
The 26,000-seater Francistown venue has experience hosting international fixtures, including Namibia's qualifiers, and has been cleared to meet FIFA standards. Botswana Football Association president Tariq Babitseng confirmed the hosting agreement, describing the match as significant for Bafana Bafana as they chase a vital win to cement their qualification bid.
Despite Zimbabwe's elimination from contention after defeats to Benin and Rwanda, the encounter still carries weight as a showpiece for national pride and as preparation ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
For Bafana, however, it represents a crucial hurdle in their World Cup journey — and all eyes will now turn to Francistown when the two neighbours clash next month.
The match was initially scheduled to take place in South Africa, where Zimbabwe have been staging their home internationals due to a FIFA ban on local stadiums failing to meet required standards. Popular venues such as Orlando Stadium had previously been used.
ZIFA said the switch to Botswana was aimed at creating a "logistical and fan-friendly environment" for supporters, though the decision has left many puzzled given the Warriors' slim prospects in the qualifiers.
South Africa currently lead Group C with 17 points from eight matches, positioning themselves strongly for a place at the finals. Zimbabwe, meanwhile, are rooted to the bottom with just four points and have managed only two wins from their last 27 World Cup qualifiers dating back to 2010.
The 26,000-seater Francistown venue has experience hosting international fixtures, including Namibia's qualifiers, and has been cleared to meet FIFA standards. Botswana Football Association president Tariq Babitseng confirmed the hosting agreement, describing the match as significant for Bafana Bafana as they chase a vital win to cement their qualification bid.
Despite Zimbabwe's elimination from contention after defeats to Benin and Rwanda, the encounter still carries weight as a showpiece for national pride and as preparation ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
For Bafana, however, it represents a crucial hurdle in their World Cup journey — and all eyes will now turn to Francistown when the two neighbours clash next month.
Source - IOL
