South Africa’s qualification journey to the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar begins this Friday as Hugo Broos and his team make the short trip to Zimbabwe to lock horns with the Warriors, many of whom ply their trade in Mzansi.
Coach Hugo Broos has promised to bring through the best young talent in the country while restructuring our system to arrest the underwhelming results that we’ve become accustomed to.
To Win Match
Zimbabwe 23/10
Draw 16/10
South Africa 27/20
Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe will also be hoping to claim glory and fly their flag high in Qatar. Coach Zdravko Logarusic had been in charge for five games, only beating Botswana, while trying to impose his style of play in fruitless encounters against Malawi, Algeria (twice) and Zambia.
The Warriors then travelled to South Africa to participate in the COSAFA Cup two months ago, where Zimbabwe failed to win any of their four games as South Africa claimed bragging rights, eventually being named champions after beating Senegal on penalties.
The attacking duo of Khama Billiat and Terrence Dzvukamanja are well known to South African football fans, they represent two of Mzansi’s biggest clubs and are the most potent threats in the Warriors’ arsenal.
Knowledge Musona will continue to captain his nation and aim to improve their current FIFA ranking of 108th in the world and 26th on the continent.
South Africa
Hugo Broos named goalkeeper Ronwen Williams as captain and attacking midfielder Percy Tau as vice-captain last Monday. Coach Broos also stated, “I am very happy that Percy Tau is now playing in Egypt”.
Opinions are still divided as to whether Tau should’ve stayed and fought for a place at Brighton in arguably the best league in the world. However, the opportunity to work with coach Pitso Mosimane at the African Club of the Century Al Ahly was too tempting, while regular playing time could only be considered as a positive for the player, who is supposed to be at the peak of his powers at the age of 27.
A youthful midfield has been selected, although, I don’t see it as South Africa’s biggest area of concern. The defence is going to have their hands full, dealing with the direct pace and power from Zimbabwe attacks, especially Billiat and Dzvukamanja.
With Rivaldo Coetzee and Mosa Lebusa omitted from the squad, I’m also sceptical about aerial duels whereby the Sundowns duo used to dominate when called upon.
Full squads:
Zimbabwe
Goalkeepers: Washington Arubi (Marumo Gallants), Talbert Shumba (Free State Stars) & Martin Mapisa (Zamora CF).
Defenders: Teenage Hadebe (Houston Dynamo), Brendan Galloway (Plymouth Argyle), Onismor Bhasera (SuperSport United), Jordan Zemura (Bournemouth), Divine Lunga (Mamelodi Sundowns), Tendayi Darikwa (Wigan Athletic), Takudzwa Chimwemwe (Nkana FC), Jimmy Dzingai (Unattached) & Alec Mudimu (Torpedo Kutaisi).
Midfielders: Blessing Sarupinda (Sekhukhune FC), Jonah Fabisch (Hamburg), Marshall Munetsi (Reims), Marvelous Nakamba (Aston Villa), Tafadzwa Rusike & Thabani Kamusoko (Zesco United), Kudakwashe Mahachi (SuperSport United), Khama Billiat (Kaizer Chiefs), Perfect Chikwende (Simba SC), Butholezwe Ncube (AmaZulu) & Ovidy Karuru (Unattached).
Forwards: Terrence Dzvukamanja (Orlando Pirates), Tinotenda Kadewere (Lyon), David Moyo (Hamilton Academical), Admiral Muskwe (Luton Town), Knowledge Musona (Al-Tai) & Macauley Bonne (Ipswich Town).
South Africa
Goalkeepers: Ronwen Williams (SuperSport United), Veli Mothwa (AmaZulu) & Bruce Bvuma (Kaizer Chiefs).
Defenders: Sydney Mobbie, Rushine De Reuck & Thapelo Morena (Mamelodi Sundowns), Siyanda Xulu (Hapoel Tel Aviv), Thibang Phete (Belenenses FC), Thabani Austin Dube & Sibusiso Mabiliso (Kaizer Chiefs).
Midfielders: Sipho Mbule & Teboho Mokoena (SuperSport United), Mothobi Mvala (Mamelodi Sundowns), Yusuf Maart (Sekhukhune FC), Ethan Brooks (TS Galaxy), Njabulo Blom (Kaizer Chiefs).
Forwards: Thabiso Kutumela (Mamelodi Sundowns), Bongokuhle Hlongwane (Maritzburg United), Gift Links (Aarhus GF), Evidence Makgopa (Baroka FC), Victor Letsoalo (Royal AM), Percy Tau (Al Ahly) & Luther Singh (FC Copenhagen).
Verdict: Draw 5/2
South Africa will aim to impose themselves on their neighbours, starting off with maximum points in enemy territory. However, to me this match has draw written all over it. There’s too much at stake in this early stage and Broos’ boys wouldn’t mind coming away from Harare with at least a point.
