Zimbabwe Coach Throws Shade at Bafana Bafana Ahead of Crucial World Cup Qualifier
- Zimbabwe coach Michael Nees takes a swipe at Bafana Bafana ahead of their crucial World Cup qualifier against South Africa
- The German coach his preparing his team to face Hugo Broos' side in one of the World Cup qualifiers during this international break
- Nees' trending video sparked different reactions from Bafana Bafana supporters on social media
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Zimbabwe coach Michael Nees has turned up the heat ahead of his side’s decisive 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Bafana Bafana during the international break.

Source: Getty Images
Nees’ men are set to face a wounded South African team in their 2026 World Cup qualifier against Zimbabwe during the international break, a match that South Africa desperately needs to win to keep their World Cup hopes alive after being sanctioned by FIFA.
Hugo Broos’ side enters the clash against Zimbabwe under pressure, still dealing with the fallout from FIFA’s recent decision to dock them three points for fielding an ineligible midfielder, Teboho Mokoena, in the qualifier against Lesotho in March 2025.
Bafana Bafana had a good performance during the last international break as they defeated Lesotho and held the Super Eagles of Nigeria at the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein.
Nees taunts Bafana ahead of WCQ tie
Nees couldn’t resist taking a subtle swipe at Bafana Bafana over their recent administrative blunder by mockingly checking his own players’ eligibility during his squad announcement.
As he revealed his team to face South Africa, the German mentor lightheartedly pretended to verify his players’ disciplinary records, a clear jab at the error that saw Bafana fielding a suspended player.

Source: Getty Images
“Okay, now let me see if there are no yellow cards… let me check again… yellow cards are okay,” Nees quipped during the press briefing.
“You never know — two, three times, double check,” he added with a laugh. “If I’m not mistaken, we have no yellow-carded players.”
The video went viral on social media and sparked different reactions from football fans.
Goddard Ngobeni wrote:
"Come, Friday 10 October 2025, Bafana Bafana will wallop that winning less bottom Mnangwagwa national team. We will top this group and qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup."

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StKidos99 said:
"This useless thing which is called SAFA, will force us to buy notebooks where will write yellow and red cards that are given to Bafanas players. And update SAFA on phones about that. Because they are useless those people."
Davie.Blaine responded:
"Why check yellow cards when you don't have a pitch. Do yellow cards work in your dining room?"
Nzwano Jiyane implied:
"Hugo won’t like seeing this. I know he’ll have a one on one with a couple of players to release their inner beast. 🙂↕️"
Jedi Blaque shared:
"His team is bottom of the log and he's trynna be a comedian against the best team in that group."
Tyobeka.Luthando commented:
"We should stop offering them a Stadium until they build their own stadiums Iimigodoyi😏"
Minni_Darque reacted:
"If y’all park the buss and don’t let us win, just know y’all will immediately no longer be allowed to illegally stay here as we ignore you, not only will you have Dudula chasing you but the entire country ke 😤🤞🏽 zimbos, griga griga, y’all better pick your fights wisely."
Rishezz Rishezz added:
"We have carrying them for so long. From now on if they not playing us, Lesotho and Zimbabwe must host their own matches in the own countries. I hope they understand."
Sono reacts to Bafana's FIFA sanction
Briefly News also reported that Jomo Sono commented on Bafana Bafana's sanction from FIFA after being found guilty of fielding an ineligible player.
The Orlando Pirates legend sent a strong message to SAFA concerning the issue.
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Source: Briefly News

