Homeground advantage

SOME sections of the South African media are celebrating what they are terming ‘DEFACTO HOMEGROUND ADVANTAGE’ when Bafana Bafana take on the Warriors in what could be a decisive 2026 World Cup qualifier.

ZIFA’s decision to settle for the Moses Mabhidha Stadium in Durban for that game next month is also likely to rile the people of Nigeria and Benin.

The two countries are locked in a race with South Africa for a place at the World Cup next year and wanted the big match to be played outside Mzansi.

They feel the Warriors have a chance to either beat or hold Bafana Bafana outside South Africa than in a situation where Bafana Bafana play at home when they are supposed to be away.

KickOff.com, a South African publication which deals exclusively with football, said this would give Bafana Bafana ‘Defacto Homeground Advantage.’

This followed a statement which was released by ZIFA yesterday:

“The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) wishes to inform fans that the upcoming FIFA World Cup qualifier against South Africa on 10 October will be played at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban, South Africa.

“Originally, ZIFA had planned to host the match in Francistown, Botswana, but the venue became unavailable due Botswana’s need to use the same stadium.

“After assessing alternatives across the region, only two suitable venues in South Africa remained: Orlando Stadium and Moses Mabhida Stadium.

“Taking into account logistics, cost, facilities, and fan safety, ZIFA chose Moses Mabhida Stadium to give the Warriors the best possible environment to compete.

“We understand the disappointment of not playing at home, but we urge all Zimbabweans to unite and rally behind the Warriors as they take on South Africa in this crucial World Cup qualifier.”

KickOff.com noted that the location of where the match would be played was being closely followed.

“The venue for Zimbabwe’s upcoming World Cup qualifier against South Africa had been the subject of speculation in recent weeks.

“Many were watching closely, as fellow Group E World Cup hopefuls Benin and Nigeria reportedly wanted to know where the Zimbabwe versus Bafana match would take place.

“Zimbabwe generally host their home games in South Africa due to not having a CAF- and FIFA-approved stadium for international fixtures.

“However, ZIFA is understood to have explored alternative venues outside South Africa to avoid giving Bafana a de facto home advantage.”

Meanwhile, Bafana Bafana have released their preliminary squad for the two matches against Zimbabwe and Rwanda next month.

The initial squad sees a return of key figures, with Khuliso Mudau and Thapelo Morena two of the most notable names.

The pair’s Mamelodi Sundowns teammate Zuko Mdunyelwa misses out due to injury, while Thabiso Monyane is also included despite being out with injury at present.

Monyane had been called up as a replacement for the injured Mdunyelwa ahead of the 1-1 draw against Nigeria and impressed as he came on as a substitute.

Bafana, and South Africa at large, are also still holding their breath over the outcome of FIFA’s investigation into the unauthorised fielding of Teboho Mokoena against Lesotho in March in a match where he was supposed to serve a suspension after being cautioned twice.

Orlando Pirates are also well represented with the likes of Relebohile Mofokeng, Patrick Maswanganyi, Evidence Makgopa, Sipho Mbule and Nkosinathi Sibisi among those called up.

Kaizer Chiefs have just two representatives in defender Thabiso Monyane and forward Mduduzi Shabalala, while Stellenbosch FC continue to see their stars rewarded with selections for Ashley Cupido, Devin Titus and Thabo Moloisane. —Sports Reporter/KickOff.com