Zimbabwe ditches South Africa, chooses Botswana venue for Bafana Bafana clash

The Zimbabwe Football Association (Zifa) have announced a dramatic venue change, in an unexpected twist in the lead-up to the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers next month.

Their pivotal clash against South Africa’s Bafana Bafana, originally slated for South African soil, will now take place at the Obed Itani Chilume Stadium in Francistown, Botswana, on October 10, 2025.

This decision comes about because Zimbabwe have issues with hosting international matches at home due to a FIFA ban stemming from stadium concerns.

Zimbabwe have previously held their home qualifiers in South Africa, specifically utilising popular venues such as Orlando Stadium. The transition to Botswana is seen as a move to create a more “logistical and fan-friendly environment” for their supporters.

Local sources from the Zimbabwe Football Association (Zifa) report that the decision aims to make the match more accessible for both the Warriors' fans. The move is significant as the fixture serves as a milestone in South Africa's quest for World Cup qualification.

As it stands, South Africa leads the standings in Group C with 17 points from eight matches, putting them in pole position for qualification. Meanwhile, Zimbabwe languishes at the bottom with only four points, a stark reflection of their struggles—having won merely two of their last 27 qualifiers since 2010.

This latest venue change adds further intrigue to a match that, while less critical for Zimbabwe’s aspirations, could serve as a defining moment for a Bafana squad looking to solidify their World Cup journey.

The Obed Itani Chilume Stadium, which boasts a capacity of 26,000, has been recognised as a reliable venue, previously hosting Namibia during their World Cup qualifiers, thus demonstrating its capability to cater to international football standards.

This choice of location not only provides a neutral ground but also enhances accessibility for Zimbabwean fans, who usually faced no challenges attending matches in South Africa.

Despite Zimbabwe’s elimination from World Cup contention following a disappointing series of results—including losses to Benin and Rwanda—this encounter with the Bafana is unlikely to diminish local interest. Providing a stage to showcase talent, the upcoming match may serve more as a platform for national pride and a precursor to the upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

However, the venue shift has left many fans puzzled; while the location changes, Zimbabwe's hopeless position in the qualifiers is still unchanged. The decision ultimately raises questions about ZIFA's administrative strategy, especially as Zimbabwe prepares to face South Africa, Nigeria, and Lesotho, a task that seems more metaphorical than consequential.

The president of the Botswana Football Association, Tariq Babitseng, confirmed the hosting arrangement, emphasising the significance of this contest for Bafana as they aim for a win to bolster their World Cup bid.

With anticipation building, all eyes will be on Francistown this October, regardless of the unpredictable journey Zimbabwe's Warriors have faced in their World Cup qualifiers.