World Cup Qualifier:Zimbabwe To Host South Africa In Durban After Failing To Secure Venue In Botswana
2 min read
By Sportsgister
The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) has officially announced that the Warriors will play their 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers Group C home fixture against South Africa in Durban.
The encounter is set for Friday, 10 October 2025, at the iconic Moses Mabhida Stadium, with kick-off at 3:00 pm CAT.
Zimbabwe has been forced to stage their “home” matches outside the country after none of their stadiums met CAF’s approval standards. Initially, ZIFA had earmarked the Obed Itani Chilume Stadium in Francistown, Botswana, as the venue for the clash.
However, with Botswana also scheduled to host their own World Cup Qualifier at the same facility, the plan fell through, leaving ZIFA with no option but to seek an alternative venue.
South Africa’s coastal city of Durban, which has hosted several of Zimbabwe’s “home” matches in recent years, will once again step in to provide a battleground for the Warriors.
The Moses Mabhida Stadium, renowned for its world-class facilities and vibrant atmosphere, is expected to attract a large turnout of fans from both nations, given the geographical proximity and fierce football rivalry.
This fixture is of huge significance for both teams, as they continue their push for a place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. For Zimbabwe, it will be another test of resilience, playing away from home but still under the support of their passionate diaspora fans.
For South Africa, it will feel like a true away game despite being on home soil, given that Zimbabwe will be considered the hosts.
With qualification hopes hanging in the balance, all eyes will be on Durban as the Warriors look to rise to the occasion against Bafana Bafana in what promises to be a thrilling Group C showdown.
Sedara Philip is a Sports writer, an administrator,Journalist,and editor
