The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) confirmed a change of venue ahead of next month’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against South Africa.
The match will no longer be played on South African soil, with Francistown, Botswana, chosen as the new location.
The Group C clash is set for October 10 at the Obed Itani Chilume Stadium.
Zimbabwe had been forced to stage their “home” matches outside the country after FIFA declared local facilities unfit to host international games.
As a result, the Warriors used Johannesburg’s Orlando Stadium and Durban’s Moses Mabhida Stadium for qualifiers.
This time, however, ZIFA opted against handing Bafana Bafana the advantage of playing in familiar surroundings for what should officially be an away tie.
Instead, the move to Botswana intend to provide a fairer setting. While making travel easier for Zimbabwean supporters.
Although the Warriors are mathematically eliminated from contention, after amassing four points from their opening eight matches.
They could play a big role in the final outcome of the 2026 World Cup qualifier.
South Africa currently top the standings, three points ahead of Benin. But Hugo Broos’ men face uncertainty off the pitch as FIFA investigates claims that midfielder Teboho Mokoena was fielded while ineligible. Read more here: Super Eagles’ 2026 World Cup Bid Boosted as FIFA Probes South Africa
