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Mehluli Sibanda in Johannesburg, South Africa
ZIMBABWE will look to spoil the party for South Africa when the neighbouring countries square off in a 2022 Fifa World Cup qualifier at FNB Stadium tonight.
The Warriors are out of contention for a place in the next stage of the World Cup qualifiers, while Bafana Bafana are firmly in the running.
Zimbabwe have just one point from the goalless draw against their neighbours at the National Sports Stadium in September.
South Africa on the other hand have a big chance of progressing to the next round, as they top Group G with 10 points, one more than Ghana.
By the time Zimbabwe and South Africa meet under floodlights at the iconic 2010 Fifa World Cup final venue, Bafana Bafana could be under pressure should the Black Stars of Ghana win beat the Walias of Ethiopia at Orlando Stadium this afternoon.
A win will take Ghana to the top of the group and if South Africa fail to beat the Warriors, the Black Stars could hold the aces when they meet Bafana Bafana on home soil on Sunday.
A lot of things have changed since Zimbabwe and South Africa played out that goalless draw in Harare.
Zimbabwe lost away in Ethiopia and further suffered back-to-back defeats to Ghana and Zdravko Logaruši? was fired as Warriors’ head coach.
South Africa beat Ghana in Johannesburg and overcame Ethiopia home and away.
Khama Billiat, the Warriors’ captain for today’s assignment, feels there is a huge responsibility on him and the Warriors in a tone indicative of a team with a renewed sense of belief.
“It’s a huge responsibility and as professionals we have to do our best. I am going to try not to put myself under pressure and play the way the coach wants us to play,” said Billiat.
“We are taking the game seriously, as professionals representing a big nation. We are going to apply the things we have worked on at training. We believe in the coach, we believe in the tactics and if we stick to them, there is still a chance to come out with a good result.
“It’s a big game; South Africa need the points; we need to represent our country in the best way. It’s good that we know each other. I know them as much as they know us. We go into the game with great motivation just to do the best for the nation,” he said.
Coach Norman Mapeza is already looking ahead to next year’s Africa Cup of Nations finals in Cameroon and alluded to that when he named his squad for the last two World Cup qualifiers.
FC Platinum goalkeeper Petros Mhari looks certain to start in goals for the Warriors, with Takudzwa Chimwemwe, Bruce Kangwa, Gerald Takwara and Brendan Galloway forming his shield.
In midfield, Mapeza appears to prefer Marvelous Nakamba, Blessing Sarupinda, Kelvin Madzongwe, Billiat and Ishmael Wadi, while Scotland-based striker David Moyo should lead the attack.
The Warriors held a morning workout at Sandton Sports Club yesterday morning before having a feel of the match venue under floodlights last night.
Warriors’ probable line-up
Petros Mhari, Takudzwa Chimwemwe, Bruce Kangwa, Brendan Galloway, Gerald Takwara, Kelvin Madzongwe, Marvelous Nakamba, Blessing Sarupinda, Ishmael Wadi, Khama Billiat (captain), David Moyo — @Mdawini_29
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