Contrary to reports, FARPost has established that next month’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier between Zimbabwe and Bafana Bafana will be played on South African soil.
The Warriors of Zimbabwe have been using Orlando Stadium in Soweto as their home ground as they do not have a CAF approved stadium.
Most recently, they hosted Rwanda at the same venue, in a Group C encounter. Rwanda won 1-0. Zimbabwe will now face Bafana Bafana and Lesotho in the remaining two matches.
Curiously, it emerged that Zimbabwe will host their upcoming match against Bafana Bafana in Botswana. However, FARPost sources at the Zimbabwe Football Association [ZIFA] dismissed those claims, asserting that the match will be played on South African soil. The match will be played on Monday, 06 October.
ORLANDO STADIUM REMAINS ZIMBABWE’S FIRST CHOICE
Orlando Stadium remains the first choice for Zimbabwe ahead of what is a crucial tie in Bafana’s quest to qualify. In fact, Zimbabwe will use South Africa’s stadiums until renovations at the National Sports Stadium in Harare are done.
The first leg between Zimbabwe and Bafana was played at the Free State Stadium on 11 June 2024. Bafana won 3-1, courtesy of a brace by Thapelo Morena and a goal by Iqraam Rayners. Tawanda Chirewa scored Zimbabwe’s consolation goal.
Unlike Bafana, Zimbabwe have nothing left to play for, as they have been rooted at the bottom of Group C throughout the qualifiers.
As it stands, Hugo Broos‘ men lead the standings in Group C with 17 points from eight matches, putting them on pole position. Bafana will face Rwanda in the other fixture.
Meanwhile, Zimbabwe are at the bottom with only four points. However, they pose a serious threat to Bafana’s quest for qualification despite their struggles.
The Southern Africa counterparts were also drawn in the same group at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations [AFCON]. They are in Group B alongside Angola and Egypt.
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