The Warriors of Zimbabwe set to return to South Africa
The Warriors of Zimbabwe are set to return to South Africa to host their upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Benin.
Without a CAF-approved stadium, The Warriors have been forced to play their home games outside Zimbabwe.
Last time out, they played their home match against Kenya at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane, where they drew 1-1. That was in the 2025 AFCON qualifiers.
ZIMBABWE IS SET TO HOST BENIN AT THE PETER MOKABA STADIUM
With the recommendation of coach Michael Nees, the Zimbabwe Football Association [ZIFA] has again settled for the Peter Mokaba Stadium.
FARPost has it on good authority that all the formalities have been concluded for The Warriors to play at the Peter Mokaba Stadium.
Initially, hopes were high that the National Sports Stadium would be ready by the March international break. However, there has been slow progress in installing bucket seats, among other areas that need attention. The pitch also still needs to be revamped.
The giant facility has been under renovation, with ZIFA president Nqobile Magwizi spearheading the process.
The Warriors face Benin on the 17th of March. Furthermore, Nees and his men seek to revive hopes of qualifying for the global tournament. They anchor the six-team group with two points on their tally after two draws with Rwanda and Nigeria.
Undoubtedly, the task is huge for coach Nees and his charges as they also aim to turn the Peter Mokaba Stadium into their fortress.
A win over Benin can potentially lift them up in Group C of the qualifiers, moreso as they sit on a rich vein of form after qualifying for AFCON.
In addition, coach Nees has refused to throw in the towel, with five points behind the current group leaders, Rwanda. Rwanda, Bafana and Benin are tied on seven points.
Meanwhile, Bafana Bafana are also set to host Lesotho at the same venue as Zimbabwe in Limpopo as their journey across South Africa continues. Hugo Broos and his men will play their crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Lesotho on 21 March.
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