Motale backs Bafana to qualify but warns of 'dangerous' Warriors

FORMER Bafana Bafana defender Edward Motale believes Zimbabwe will be extra motivated to face their neighbours and has warned Hugo Broos’ men not to underestimate the Warriors when they meet in the World Cup qualifier at the Moses Mabhida Stadium today (6pm kickoff).

- OBAKENG MELETSE

South Africa enter the final round of their 2026 Fifa World Cup qualifiers with everything to play for, as Group C remains tightly balanced heading into the last two fixtures. Both Benin and Nigeria are still within reach of qualification, making it crucial for Bafana to collect maximum points from their remaining games.

Benin currently lead the standings on 14 points, level with South Africa in second place, while Nigeria remain in contention in third with 11 points. The final two matchdays are expected to be tense, with very little room for error among the top three sides.

Zimbabwe, meanwhile, have endured a campaign to forget. Despite managing to hold a strong Nigerian side to a couple of 1-1 draws, they have failed to convert those performances into victories, going through all their matches without a single win.