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Zimbabwe chooses Botswana venue for Bafana WCQ Bafana clash
The Star
|September 19, 2025
THE Zimbabwe Football Association (Zifa) have announced a dramatic venue change, in an unexpected twist in the lead-up to the 2026 Fifa World Cup qualifiers next month.
Their pivotal clash against South Africa's Bafana Bafana, originally slated for South African soil, will now take place at the Obed Itani Chilume Stadium in Francistown, Botswana, on October 10, 2025.
This decision comes about because Zimbabwe have issues with hosting international matches at home due to a Fifa ban stemming from stadium concerns.
Zimbabwe have previously held their home qualifiers in South Africa, specifically utilising popular venues such as Orlando Stadium. The transition to Botswana is seen as a move to create a more "logistical and fan-friendly environment" for their supporters. Local sources from the Zimbabwe Football Association (Zifa) report that the decision aims to make the match more accessible for both the Warriors' fans. The move is significant as the fixture serves as a milestone in South Africa's quest for World Cup qualification.
This story is from the September 19, 2025 edition of The Star.
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