Zimbabwe Warriors Vs Bafana Bafana Preview
By Kupakwashe Mazuru
As the Warriors go a gear up in their preparation for the first match of the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers in Africa’s group G everything points to the giant national sports stadium, although empty on the day, the Warriors will find comfort in that they will be playing at home.
The old rivalry with our southern neighbours will be reignited. With the Zimbabwean camp marred by absences due to the UK’s restrictions on travel to “red listed” countries. The absentees will include Aston villa man Marvelous Nakamba, vice-captain Tendayi Darikwa, in form Bornemouth rising star Jordan Zemura and Macauley Bonne among other notable absentees.
The South Africans who have an inexperienced squad will hope to capitalize on Zimbabwe’s depleted squad.
Bafana Bafana will have the much needed experience of the new skipper Supersport United goalkeeper Ronwen Williams and former Brighton Hove forward Percy Tau who is back on the continent at Egyptian giants Al Ahly.
Luther Singh of FC Copenhagen, Thapelo Morena (Mamelodi Sundowns) and Siyanda Xulu (Tel Aviv) are some of the most recognizable figures in a youthful Bafana Bafana squad dominated by locally based players.
South Africa will have that extra fitness edge considering our locally based Zimbabwean players haven’t been playing ever since the Chibuku Super cup was put to a halt.
With each team hoping to start the qualifying campaign on a high, the stakes will be high on the match. Zimbabwe will surely depend on the form of captain Knowledge Musona and poster boy Khama Billiat who have carried the team on their shoulders in numerous occasions.
The in-form Stade Reims midfielder Nyasha Munetsi who is still to feature under Coach Zdravko Logarusici is expected to add depth in the midfield or moved to the defence where there’s no depth after the withdrawal of Huston Dynamo center-back Teenage Hadebe due to COVID-19 travel restrictions.
Zimbabwe has also confirmed that South African based frontman Knox Mutizwa and midfielder Butholezwe Ncube won’t be coming due to difficulties.
South Africa who departed for Harare on Wednesday evening will be without Thibang Mpete (Belenenses FC, Portugal) and Thabiso Kutumela (Supersport United) who have both been isolated after testing positive for Corona virus.
Mothiba Mvala is also doubtful with a groin injury, but will be assessed before the game.
Zimbabwe have played South Africa 15 times in the previous encounters, with the Warriors narrowly edging ahead with seven wins to South Africa’s six and have also won the last two games.
This will be their first game since the 2013 international friendly that went Zimbabwe’s way.
Zimbabwe Warriors Predicted XI : (4-4-2) Washington Arubi, Takudzwa Chimwemwe, Divine Lunga, Alec Mudimu, Nyasha Munetsi, Thabani Kamusoko, Tafadzwa Rusike , Khama Billiat, Tinotenda Kadewere, Knowledge Musona, T. Dzvukamanja.
South Africa Predicted XI : (3-5-2) Ronwen Williams; Sydney Mobbie, Rushine De Reuck, Sibusiso Mabiliso; Sipho Mbule, Yusuf Maart, Ethan Brooks, Njabulo Blom, Teboho Mokoena; Evidence Makgopa, Bongokuhle Hlongwane.
Prediction:
We will be expecting an open and competitive match from both sides. Zimbabwe will be feeling confident playing at home, but with a youthful South African side that is dominated by talented young players who want to prove themselves, a tough duel is guaranted.
Zimbabwe Warriors 2-1 South Africa
