Online Reporter
Langton Nyakwenda-Zimpapers Sports Hub
German-based midfielder Jonah Fabisch had his first training session with the Warriors yesterday and the 24-year-old is convinced that Zimbabwe have the quality to cause problems for South Africa.
Fabisch, who plays for German 3 Liga side FC Erzgebirge Aue, has bounced back into the Warriors set-up ahead of tomorrow’s 2026 World Cup Group C penultimate qualifier against South Africa at Moses Mabhida in Durban.
Zimbabwe will then wrap up their failed World Cup qualification bid with another COSAFA derby clash against Lesotho at Peter Mokaba in Polokwane on Tuesday.
The Warriors anchor Group C and are without a win but Fabisch has rallied his teammates to play for pride.
“At least this is my first training today (yesterday), you still probably need a few more trainings or just a few more video sessions to have the proper rhythm, the proper connections with the teammates,” Fabisch told the media yesterday.
If given the chance to play, Fabisch would want to make fans happy.
His late father, Reinhard, made Zimbabweans happy back in the early 1990s when he took charge of the Dream Team project.
“I think we can do something special,” added Fabisch.
Zimbabwe coach Michael Nees now has a full complement, that includes skipper Marvelous Nakamba, his deputy Marshall Munetsi, Teenage Hadebe, Knowledge Musona, Khama Billiat and experienced goalkeeper Washington Arubi.
“We have defenders who like to play forward and goalkeepers who also have an eye for the midfielder.
“So we definitely have chances to play through midfield and have combinations through the midfield.
“So that’s definitely a plus if you’re a player who wants the ball,’’ Fabisch said.
Matches between Zimbabwe and South Africa have always been tense contests fought in derby spirit even if it is an international friendly.
But with South Africa eager to reclaim top spot and the sole Group C ticket to the World Cup, tomorrow’s encounter is set to be explosive as the Warriors could wreck Bafana Bafana’s aspirations.
In fact, the Battle of the Limpopo derby between these Southern African giants have always produced classic clashes.
South Africa however, go into tomorrow’s match with the bragging rights, having thumped Jairos Tapera’s Warriors 3-1 in a Group C reverse fixture at Toyota Stadium in Bloemfontein on June 11, 2024.
“You also have to have a defensive shape and have defensive intensity.
“And I think, yeah, that’s what we want to bring in the next match.
“It’s definitely an important match just because we’re playing against a good team in the World Cup qualifiers where every match matters.
“No matter in which position you are on the table, you definitely want to win.
“And obviously show ourselves to the coach, to our fans, and to our country, and just give our best and win the match.
“So that’s why it’s definitely important.”
Fabisch is looking to establish himself as a Warriors regular.
“And for me, I haven’t had much experience with the national team.
“So, every match is, yeah, a blessing and is worth giving your best.
“Yes, we just hope to make you (fans) happy, make you proud.
“And, yeah, I also hope for positive energy and positive support.
“I think we can do something special.”
