Exclusive: 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 on Friday (6pm kick-off).

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.

Their struggles, however, could make them even more dangerous, as they have little to lose but plenty of pride to play for.

Bafana will approach this fixture with confidence, having established themselves as one of the standout teams in the group and coming off a convincing 3-1 win against the Warriors in the reverse leg. However, the loss of three points docked by Fifa for fielding Teboho Mokoena, who was on two yellow cards, has made things slightly more complicated.

Motale expects South Africa to make it a double over Zimbabwe but also warned against taking things lightly.

“Bafana’s run leading up to the final two matches had been great until they lost the three points docked by Fifa,” Motale told Independent Newspapers.

“It will not be an easy match, and I think the home side will be playing for Zimbabwean pride. If they manage to beat us, their reputation will improve, so Bafana must not take that match lightly.

“The three points lost are water under the bridge now, and all they need to do is win both games, even though I believe four points would still be enough.

“The team is suffering due to someone’s recklessness, impacting not just Bafana but also the players and the entire country.”

The 59-year-old former defender, who was part of South Africa’s triumphant 1996 Africa Cup of Nations squad, added that Zimbabwe’s mix of experience and familiarity with local conditions means they will need no extra motivation to rise to the occasion even though the venue and crowd will give Bafana the edge.

“We have the advantage irrespective of where we are playing, and with us playing both matches at home, I do feel we will qualify,” he continued.

“I will not single out any player from Zimbabwe, but I am certain that playing against South Africa is motivation in itself for them. It’s similar to any team that faces Mamelodi Sundowns or Kaizer Chiefs.

“When teams come into such matches — even if they are on the back of a four-match losing streak — they always find that extra gear because those clashes are a motivation on their own.”