Nees Stresses Discipline as Warriors Finalise Preparations for Bafana ShowdownDurban — 8 October 2025
Zimbabwe National Team head coach Michael Nees says his team must show tactical discipline and mental sharpness as they prepare for a high-stakes 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifier against South Africa on Friday evening.
Zimbabwe face Bafana Bafana at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban, with kick-off set for 6:00 PM CAT.
“We must be technically disciplined and apply the correct strategy,” said Nees. “We want all the players in a proper state, and we’ve been working hard in our second session on tactics and transitions. The next sessions will be about analysing and transferring these instructions into action.”
All players called up for international duty had checked into camp by Tuesday, with the group completing their second full training session under Nees and his technical staff.
The Warriors will wrap up their qualifying campaign with fixtures against South Africa on Friday and Rwanda next Tuesday at Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit.
Group C Tension Mounts
The matches remain pivotal despite Zimbabwe’s elimination. For Bafana Bafana, however, qualification hopes hang in the balance after FIFA docked them three points for fielding a suspended player, Teboho Mokoena, in March’s match against Lesotho.
South Africa coach Hugo Broos has described the upcoming clash as the most important game of their campaign.
“If we win on Friday, we move to 17 points. Both Nigeria and Rwanda can only reach that total in two games,” said Broos. “With Benin playing both Nigeria and Rwanda, this game becomes crucial for us.”
Broos will be without Orlando Pirates midfielder Relebohile Mofokeng, who was injured in the Carling Knockout Cup match against Siwelele FC last weekend.
A victory for South Africa would move them closer to securing top spot in Group C and automatic qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup — while Zimbabwe aim to spoil the party and end their campaign on a strong note.