Bafana cannot afford to underestimate Zim
BAFANA Bafana normally go into football games against neighbours Zimbabwe as heavy favourites when the two southern African nations clash.
However, that will not be the case when the teams face each other in a 2022 Fifa World Cup qualifier at the Zimbabwe National Sports Stadium tomorrow.
Not only will Zimbabwe have home-ground advantage but their team boasts more experience at the highest level than Hugo Broos’ young Bafana side.
Several players from Zimbabwe play their football in South Africa, which means they’ll have inside knowledge on the style of play Bafana will use.
Bafana can at least be happy that
Aston Villa midfielder Marvelous Nakamba, who was named in the original Zimbabwe squad, was omitted from the revised list.
Nakamba was affected by English Premier League clubs’ refusal to release players because of Covid19 and quarantine requirement concerns.
The 27-year-old Nakamba is not only a star for Villa but is arguably one of the best central midfielders in Africa with an impeccable ability to read the game, defend and attack.
While Terrence Dzvukamanja of Orlando Pirates and Knox Mutizwa of Golden Arrows present the Warriors with good choices up front, Lyon striker Tino Kadewere could be the man to lead the line for Zimbabwe tomorrow.
Should the 25-year-old not play up front for his side, he could also be deployed on the right wing.
From the three main attackers in the Zimbabwean team, it is Kadewere whom Ronwen Williams’ defence must ensure they track the most.
Kadewere boasts impressive pace and the South African defence will not be as familiar with his play as they would Mutizwa and Dzvukamanja.
If the Bafana defence is caught napping, there is a good chance they will be exploited heavily by Kadewere, who looks to be part of Lyon’s first-team plans this season.
Knowledge Musona, 31, is also in the Zimbabwe team and may be deployed in a support role to Kadewere.
The former Kaizer Chiefs goal poacher will be very familiar with Bafana players, having made his sojourn in the Premiership before heading for greener pastures overseas.
Bafana’s attackers could have their work cut out to breach the Zimbabwean defence given that it boasts the likes of Onismor Bhasera and Divine Lunga, who are apt defensive players in the Premiership for Supersport United and Mamelodi Sundowns respectively.
Marumo Gallants’ Washington Arubi could start in goal for Zimbabwe. Arubi was a stand-out performer for the Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila side that won the Nedbank Cup last season
For Bafana to get a positive result in the game, good performances from senior play ers Siyanda Xulu and Percy Tau will be vital.
Al Ahly’s Tau has the potential to breach the Zimbabwean defence, while Xulu is the one player from the upbeat Bafana team who is capable of containing the threat of Kadewere.