Retired footballer Lebogang Manyama says Bafana Bafana’s clash with Zimbabwe at the 2025 AFCON is not a no-love-lost affair but a rivalry that showcases how football in the COSAFA region has developed.
Bafana Bafana and The Warriors are set to face off at the Stade de Marrakech on Monday at 18h00 [CAT] in a Group B decider. If Bafana Bafana win, they will finish with six points, enough to secure second place regardless of the result between Angola and Egypt.
Egypt have already qualified for the next stage, leading the pack with six points, but the fight for second place is heating up. Bafana Bafana have their eyes on progression, while The Warriors are also battling to reach the knockout stage for the first time in six attempts. Angola are also hoping to gatecrash into the knockout phase.
As it stands, Bafana have the upper hand, sitting second in Group B with three points from their 2-1 win over Angola, despite a 1-0 loss to Egypt. Zimbabwe, on the other hand, are at the bottom of the table with one point from a 1-1 draw with Angola and a 2-1 loss to Egypt.
And the upcoming match against Zimbabwe has left fans buzzing, recalling the nerve-wracking clash on 10 October 2025 when The Warriors nearly derailed Bafana’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying hopes, with the match ending in a thrilling 0-0 draw.
While Bafana fans have been kept on the edge of their seats with mixed feelings ahead of the AFCON clash, Manyama said it highlights the competitive spirit and development of the game in Southern Africa.
WHAT MANYAMA SAID ABOUT THE BAFANA VS ZIM CLASH
The former Kaizer Chiefs and Cape Town City FC midfielder, Manyama, describes the Bafana versus Zimbabwe match as a rivalry showcasing the growth of football in the COSAFA region, rather than a bitter feud.
“Let football be football. Obviously, the celebrations [in October 2025 during the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers] could’ve been better because we’ve got plenty of friends there,” Manyama told FARPost.
“You mention Knowledge [Musona], he’s a legend in our country [SA] based on what he’s achieved. We thought after the game it’d be okay, but yeah, they celebrated – it’s normal, they celebrate for their country.
“This shows the competition has grown in our region. You have to respect that. It’s football, we had to compete. We have matters to sort out with Zimbabwe, and we’ll meet at the AFCON.
“We’re still good friends. I chat with Willard [Katsande] daily; he’s coaching and a good friend. Zimbabweans will always be our brothers, and these competitions show that our region [Southern Africa] is growing.”
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