FIFA World Cup Qualifier: Zimbabwe vs South Africa Kick-Off Time, TV Channel and Match Preview
- South Africa heads into their qualifier against Zimbabwe under pressure after losing three points due to FIFA’s disciplinary ruling over an ineligible player
- Zimbabwe’s qualifying campaign has been disappointing, with the team still searching for their first win and struggling to find consistency under Michael Nees
- Football journalist Brighton Bafana told Briefly News that, despite the recent setback, South Africa’s form and home advantage should help them secure a crucial victory
PAY ATTENTION: You can now search for all your favourite news and topics on Briefly News.
South Africa will face Zimbabwe on Friday, 10 October 2025, in a pivotal 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban.
The match comes at a critical juncture for both teams: South Africa is chasing top spot in Group C, while Zimbabwe are already struggling at the bottom of the group.
Source: Getty Images
Bafana Bafana enter the match with momentum, having remained unbeaten in their last six internationals, scoring 10 goals and recording two wins and four draws.
Historically, South Africa has dominated this fixture, winning six of the last ten encounters with Zimbabwe, who have managed just two victories and two draws. In their previous four meetings, South Africa won three and drew one, outscoring the Warriors 6–1.
PAY ATTENTION: Briefly News is now on YouTube! Check out our interviews on Briefly TV Life now!
South Africa is facing pressure
Football journalist Brighton Bafana, who provided exclusive analysis for Briefly News, explained that South Africa enters the fixture under pressure following FIFA’s deduction of three points for fielding an ineligible player, Teboho Mokoena, against Lesotho.
This ruling dropped Bafana Bafana to second place in the group, level on points with Nigeria and behind leaders Benin.
See tweet below:
Bafana said that the team must show composure. He added that although South Africa were cruising before the points deduction, every remaining match now felt like a final.
He highlighted that Hugo Broos’s men remain confident, riding a seven-game unbeaten streak and enjoying the home advantage in Durban, where the crowd is expected to provide strong support.
Source: Getty Images
Zimbabwe seeking first victory
Zimbabwe, meanwhile, continue to struggle in qualifying. The Warriors are winless in eight games and sit bottom of Group C. Bafana noted that internal disruptions had worsened their situation, including the recent resignation of assistant coach Takesure Chiragwi following an off-field incident.
He added that such challenges could unsettle a team already searching for identity, though experienced players like Khama Billiat, Marshall Munetsi, and Knowledge Musona could provide stability.
Bafana also highlighted that coach Michael Nees had called up several South Africa-based players, such as Divine Lunga and Washington Arubi, who would be comfortable in Durban’s conditions.
On the South African side, Mokoena is now eligible to play alongside Bathusi Aubaas and Sipho Mbule in midfield, while Lyle Foster is expected to lead the attack, supported by Apollis and Nkota.
Bafana concluded that South Africa’s composure and tactical depth should see them through, noting that although Zimbabwe would fight hard, Bafana Bafana possess too much quality and momentum to slip.
He predicted a 1-0 win for South Africa, adding that it might not be a high-scoring game, but professionalism and focus would be key.
See tweet below:
Match Details:
Venue: Moses Mabhida Stadium, Durban
Kick-off: 18:00 (CAT)
TV: SuperSport, SABC Sport
Live Stream: SABC Plus App, DStv App
Zimbabwe coach throws jab at South Africa
Briefly News previously reported that Zimbabwe coach Michael Nees turned up the heat ahead of his side’s decisive 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Bafana Bafana during the international break.
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: Briefly News
