Zimbabweans Slam ZIFA as Warriors Host Bafana Bafana in Durban for World Cup Qualifier

Zimbabweans Slam ZIFA as Warriors Host Bafana Bafana in Durban for World Cup Qualifier

Zimbabweans have expressed criticism and anger as the Warriors are set to host their 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifier against South Africa in Durban.

Supporters are frustrated that the national team continues to play its “home” fixtures outside the country, a situation many feel robs the Warriors of both fan support and home advantage.

ZIFA Confirms Durban Clash

The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) confirmed that the highly anticipated Group C clash will be staged at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Friday, 10 October 2025, with kick-off set for 3 pm CAT.

The Warriors will then conclude their campaign against Lesotho four days later at a venue still to be announced.

Also Read: “Zimbabweans Must Be Realistic, Its Not Easy” – Says Warriors Coach Michael Nees Ahead Of Rwanda Match In SA

Botswana Option Falls Through

Originally, ZIFA had earmarked Obed Itani Chilume Stadium in Francistown, Botswana, as the venue for the South Africa match. However, with Botswana scheduled to use the facility for their own qualifier during the same period, Zimbabwe was left with no alternative but to move the fixture to South Africa.

Fans Slam Absurdity of Hosting South Africa in Durban

Many Zimbabweans have ridiculed the decision to stage the Warriors’ “home” World Cup qualifier against South Africa in Durban, calling it both embarrassing and a clear sign of ZIFA’s failures.

Supporters argue that playing as the home team in their opponent’s country strips the Warriors of home advantage and further cements Zimbabwe’s status as a “laughing stock” in world football.

Here are some of the comments:

@Meshack Muxupa;

Uno hoster sei mumba mamunhu,wosvika woti ndiwe wava muenzi mumba mangu hahaha Zifa is a joke

@Energy Moyo;

Yotambura nyika yechipikirwa,zvikmbonzi Botswana zvochinja

@Ba Kikky Nesbert Bounty;

we’re hosting nyika munyika mayo

@Beven Chipunza;

Match fixing iyo torai henyu mari ko ma rankings matikudii nawo zvakaoma zvaendwa tongoramba tiri ma laughing stock nedzimwe nyika

@Lawrence Msipa;

How do you host South Africa in South AfricaIt’s ridiculous

@Joseph Kuwocha;

ZIFA is full of dunderheads. Why not host SA in Zambia or even Angola

@Thato Thato;

So Zimbabwe will host bafana in South Africa as home team while bafana will be away at home yah neh
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@Godwill Busani Mdabantu Ndukwana;

We don’t have our own stadiums to play our home games, home advantage gone just like that, then you hear certain people saying this current leadership must carry on beyond 2028!