Sundaymail Editor
Online Reporter
BAFANA Bafana coach Hugo Broos believes the presence of a host of Zimbabwean players in South Africa’s leagues could make it difficult for his charges to grind a result in Friday’s ‘Battle of the Limpopo’ World Cup showdown between the two sides.
The Warriors take on South Africa’s Bafana Bafana in 2022 World Cup Group qualifying opener at the National Sports Stadium in Harare on Friday afternoon.
It is the first meeting between the two COSAFA rivals in a World Cup qualifier in 21 years, with their last showdown having ended in disastrous fashion as 13 Zimbabwean fans died in a stampede that took place at the same venue.
Broos, now in charge of South Africa on a long term deal in which he is expected to revive Bafana Bafana, feels that the presence of a host of Warriors players plying their trade in the DSTV Premiership and the GladAfrica Championship could have a huge influence in Friday’s match.
The Belgian expatriate reckons the Warriors will use their familiarity with the South African game to their advantage.
“They’re difficult to beat because they know us. A lot of their players play in South Africa and now we play against them, that is not going to be easy.
“But we have our plan and they have theirs, we’re going to fight,” said Broos.
With the two sides having drawn twice in their 15 meetings, the 69-year-old Broos believes the best result his charges can get against the Warriors on Friday would be a draw.
Whether the former Cameroon coach is playing mind games with the Warriors or not remains to be seen but just like
“I don’t like to predict that we will win or that the score will be 2-1 or whatever but the only thing I want and hope is that we have a good result in Zimbabwe.
“A draw in Zimbabwe will be a good result. It will give us confidence for the next game [against Ghana].
“I am not saying that we are going for a draw. We will try to win,” he said.
Despite predicting a tough encounter between the two nations, Broos said his charges are ready for the Warriors challenge.
“We have to be ready, we have no choice. There were a few concerns that I had at Tuesday’s training but by the afternoon session the team gave me what I needed and that was quality. I’m happy with the way things are going,” said Broos.
Online Reporter