Hugo Broos takes swipe at Zimbabwe over venue change stunt | OneFootball

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Broos makes subtle dig at Zimbabwe after venue change saga

Photo: Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos

Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos has taken a swipe at Zimbabwe ahead of the crucial World Cup qualifier clash at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Friday (18h00).

With nothing to play for, the Warriors were keen to move the match to the Obed Itani Chilume Stadium in Botswana in a bid to abandon their tradition of hosting their home matches in South Africa.

However, Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) reached an agreement to stick to a South African venue as exclusively reported by Foot Africa last month.

Now, ahead of the high stakes encounter for Bafana, the Belgian mentor says they are not expecting any favours from their neighbors, highlighting the attempted venue change stunt.

“Zimbabwe has always been a difficult opponent, it will not be easy. They are very motivated when I read the comments,” said Broos.

"Also, we don't have to expect favors from them. It was clear three to two weeks ago - they wanted to play this game in Botswana.

"When you have played your four previous home games in South Africa [and suddenly you want to change], then you know you don't have to expect favors. But we don't need favors, we want to win correctly and we are confident that we can do the job.

While Broos insists they are not expecting a walk in the park against Zimbabwe, he is optimistic of securing a favorable result to boost their 2026 World Cup qualification hopes.

"I know it will be a tough and difficult game but I am confident that we can beat Zimbabwe, not only because we are a good team but only and certainly because we have the right mentality for such games.

Following their docking of three points by FIFA for fielding an ineligible Teboho Mokoena against Lesotho, Bafana dropped to second place, tied on 14 points with leaders Benin, who have a superior goal difference.