The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) has suffered another setback in its bid to secure a neutral venue for next month’s FIFA World Cup qualifier against South Africa.
The Warriors had planned to host the October clash with Bafana Bafana in Francistown, Botswana, to limit South Africa’s home advantage and make it easier for Zimbabwean fans to
attend.
However, the Botswana Football Association turned down the request, as the stadium will be in use when Botswana host Uganda in their own qualifier.
Zimbabwe remain unable to host international matches at home due to a FIFA stadium safety ban.
Their last three qualifiers have been staged in South Africa, and with the Francistown option ruled out, ZIFA is once again considering Orlando Stadium in Johannesburg or Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban as potential venues.
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The Botswana National Stadium in Gaborone, which might have provided an alternative, is currently closed for renovation works ahead of the 2026 World Athletics Relays.
Zimbabwe are bottom of Group C after failing to win any of their eight qualifying matches so far (four draws and four defeats).
With no chance of reaching the World Cup, they will be playing for pride as the campaign draws to a close.
