Namibians feared Warriors support

ZIMBABWEANS were left disgusted by Namibia’s decision to have their Afcon Group J qualifying match against the Warriors played in an empty Orlando Stadium today.

Namibia are the home team. But the decision could have been sparked by the fact that Namibia would have been “away” on two consecutive matches as Zimbabwe would on both occasions had more supporters on the terraces.

There is a decent population in Soweto where Orlando Stadium and for nostalgia’s sake many Zimbabweans would have come to have a feel of home among their hommies while watching the Warriors.

With transport to Orlando not much of a problem because of easy connectivity, Zimbabweans were expected to drive from Pretoria, Midrand, Boksburg, Kempton Park, East Rand and the city centre and its surrounding suburbs of Hillbrow, Berea, Yeoville and Braamfontein.

The Namibians could not phantom being drowned in the green and yellow tide of the Warriors supporters. So, by playing in an empty stadium today, they hope to do damage control.

Khama Billiat who had a great career in South Africa, especially at Kaizer Chiefs and appears on a rebound at Yadah in Zimbabwe, is among the players fans would want to watch.

On Monday, Namibia communicated with their Zimbabwean counterparts Zifa that no fans would be allowed in the match.
The move came as a shock to Zimbabweans who of late have a number of fans travelling from home including prospective Zifa candidates.

Zimbabwe soccer legend and former Warriors captain, Peter Ndlovu feels it would have been ideal for thousands of Zimbabweans in South Africa to create a positive ambience at Orlando Stadium in Johannesburg where the Warriors play Namibia in the first of the back-to-back 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers today.

Without approved stadia to play host to international games, Zimbabwe and Namibia will use Johannesburg’s Orlando Stadium today and on Monday when Zimbabwe will be home and fans allowed to support their teams.

While there are no health protocols to follow, Namibia have decided to have the game played behind closed doors citing lack of sufficient funds to pay for corresponding logistics.

“It’s (a matter of) mixed feelings I think. You know as a player, there are advantages and disadvantages that come with playing in a stadium with fans. But certainly, when you are on the field of play, you want to perform well and that means you need supporters to cheer you on. Players are actually used to playing with fans in the stadium you know and in this situation, players always perform better.

“But again, some will prefer that there are no fans because they won’t be doing very well but there is nothing you can do. I think as a player, think professionally and always want to have your fans whether you have a good game or not,” Ndlovu told Zimpapers Sports Hub on Tuesday.

Ndlovu challenged the corporate world to come on board and support the national team like Zororo-Phumulani are doing.
The funeral services company has committed a branded bus for the duration of the team’s stay in South Africa on top of providing other logistical support.