Former Zimbabwe captain Willard Katsande has offered a measured analysis of the Warriors’ prospects as they prepare for a high-stakes AFCON 2025 decider against Bafana Bafana.
The regional rivals are set to lock horns on Monday evening in a decisive final Group B fixture. Both sides enter the encounter under immense pressure following disappointing results in their previous outings; the Warriors currently sit bottom of the group with a single point, level with Angola, while South Africa occupies second spot with three points.
Katsande, a legendary figure in South African football through his long tenure at Kaizer Chiefs, believes the strength of the Betway Premiership is a double-edged sword that could ultimately benefit Zimbabwe.
“If you look at how South Africa has been performing on the big stages recently, it is because of a good domestic league,” Katsande noted in an interview with FARPost. “Their progress, including winning the bronze medal [at the last AFCON], is down to the fact that three-quarters of the national team plays locally.”
However, Katsande argues that Zimbabwe’s familiarity with South African football provides a tactical advantage.
“For us, having players who compete against those same individuals week-in and week-out gives us that bit of hope to say, ‘we can do it.’ We know their game.”
KATSANDE BACKS WARRIORS TO STUN BAFANA BAFANA IN MARRAKESH
The data supports Katsande’s view: the PSL boasts the highest number of players from a single domestic league [21] at this year’s tournament. Zimbabwe accounts for five of those 21 stars, ensuring the Warriors have “inside information” on Hugo Broos’ tactical setup.
While a draw might be enough for South Africa, victory is non-negotiable for Zimbabwe if they are to keep their knockout stage hopes alive.
The rivalry between the two nations is notoriously tight. In their most recent meeting—a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier in October—the Warriors held Bafana Bafana to a gritty 0-0 draw. That stalemate nearly derailed South Africa’s qualification path and served as a reminder of Zimbabwe’s stubbornness in derby conditions.
Katsande believes the unpredictability of the “Limpopo Derby” is exactly what the tournament needs.
“I feel it’s going to be interesting based on what happened in the previous game—that was intense,” the former midfielder concluded. “You need that kind of rivalry in football where nobody can predict the outcome. Every tackle and every shot is going to be key.”
Zimbabwe’s final Group B fixture against Bafana Bafana kicks off on Monday, 29 December, at 18:00 CAT.
RELATED STORY: Mntambo: Bafana Bafana don’t have another spare wheel