Former Orlando Pirates Star Explains What Helped Zimbabwe Against Bafana Bafana
- Marshall Munetsi has reacted to Zimbabwe's goalless draw against the Bafana Bafana of South Africa in their FIFA World Cup qualifier
- The former Orlando Pirates midfielder explained why the Warriors were able to hold South Africa to a goalless draw at the Moses Mabhida Stadium
- The English Premier League star's views on the match sparked different reactions from South Africans on social media
Zimbabwe midfielder Marshall Munetsi has opened up on the key factor behind his team’s resilient display that earned them a goalless draw against Bafana Bafana.
Source: Getty Images
The Warriors held South Africa to a 0-0 stalemate in their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Friday, October 10, 2025, a result that dented Bafana’s hopes of securing a spot at next year’s global showpiece in the USA, Mexico, and Canada.
Munetsi's former club, Orlando Pirates, were hugely represented in the Bafana Bafana squad, with defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi being shown a late red card, while Sipho Mbule earned praise from Hugo Broos after his performance in the match.
Munetsi speaks on Zimbabwe's draw against Bafana
Munetsi explained that their familiarity with South African football gave them an advantage, as several Zimbabwean players have featured in the Premier Soccer League.
“Most of us have played or are still playing in South Africa, so we know how they play and how to contain them,” he said. “That helped us a lot in managing the game and keeping our structure throughout.”
In the press conference, the Wolverhampton Wanderers midfielder acknowledged that familiarity with South African players played a role in Zimbabwe’s performance.
He explained that knowing the qualities of their opponents made a difference, saying that in the final minutes, when Teboho Mokoena, who recently cost Bafana Bafana three points, dropped slightly deeper in midfield during a cross, they anticipated he might take a shot.
Source: Getty Images
Munetsi added that playing against several South African-based players such as Washington Arubi and Divine Lunga, as well as Khama Billiat and Knowledge Musona, who have also featured in the PSL, gave them an advantage.
He concluded that competing in front of a packed stadium was especially important and motivating for his team.
Munetsi's explanation of the reason behind Zimbabwe's solid performance against Bafana Bafana didn't go down well with some South Africans on social media.
Aubrey Motsamai commented:
"Zimbabwe played in 9 games and failed to win even 1 Soo a draw for them against Bafana Bafana is like a win?"
DjSammie TheBoss reacted:
"He must thank Lyle Foster for not scoring that goal when he dribbled past the goalkeeper he should have scored."
Obakeng Makhema said:
"Nothing worked for them, only that they were defending nothing, they were playing in their own half it was a vacation for them."
Churchman Mushe wrote:
"Well done Zimbabwe Warriors for denying Bafana Bafana victory. Their coach Hugo Broos undermined Zimbabwe and even said he didn't need any favour from the Warriors. Our football might be terrible but history shows Bafana Bafana are our small boys #GoWarriorsGo."
Simnikiwe Simnikiwe shared:
"But we go for the world cup you like it or not you will see the magic south african we must have a hope let's support the bafana's."
Nhlanhla Nkosi added:
"Nothing Worked. We Could Have Buried Our Chances By Being More Clinical, We Let Ourselves Down.😏"
Kaizer Chiefs legend defends Mbokazi
Briefly News also reported that a Kaizer Chiefs legend has defended Mbokazi despite being sent off in South Africa's draw against Zimbabwe in the World Cup qualifier.
The Bafana Bafana legend backed the Pirates captain by claiming he took one for the team despite retaliating against an attack.
Source: Briefly News
