Homeless Zimbabwe Relocate to Botswana for CHAN Qualifier Against Eswatini

The Zimbabwe national football team, commonly referred to as the Warriors, will play their CHAN qualifier match against Eswatini at the Obedi Itani Chilume Stadium in Francistown, Botswana, on Sunday, October 27. This shift comes as a result of the ongoing stadium crisis in Zimbabwe, where no venue currently meets CAF standards for hosting international matches.

Kickoff is scheduled for 3 PM.

This will mark the first time the Warriors have hosted a match in Botswana, following stints at several other foreign venues, including Orlando Stadium in South Africa, Mandela National Stadium in Uganda, and Huye Stadium in Rwanda. Most recently, the team hosted Namibia at Orlando Stadium during the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.

The upcoming CHAN fixture features a squad composed entirely of locally-based players, adhering to the competition’s rules. Despite the Warriors’ displaced status, they remain focused on securing a positive result in Botswana. The second leg of the qualifier is scheduled for November 2, where Eswatini will host Zimbabwe at Mbombela Stadium in South Africa.

Coach’s Strategy

Warriors coach Michael Nees, who was recently spotted at Rufaro Stadium scouting talent during a Premier Soccer League match, is expected to name a squad predominantly made up of under-23 players and club fringe players. Speaking to NRTV, the German coach explained that many clubs are currently at critical stages in their respective leagues, either fighting for championships or battling relegation. As such, it would be difficult for these clubs to release their star players outside the FIFA calendar.

“One of the options is to send a youthful squad, a mixture of under-20 and under-23 players,” Nees said. “This provides a great development opportunity without the added pressure of top-tier competition.”

Despite the logistical and squad challenges, the Warriors remain committed to performing well in the CHAN tournament. The coach emphasized the importance of nurturing young talent through international exposure, something that could benefit Zimbabwe’s national team in the long term.

Stadium Crisis Continues

Zimbabwe’s ongoing stadium issues continue to be a source of concern for both players and fans. With no CAF-approved venues in the country, the Warriors have been forced to play all their home games abroad. This situation has placed additional pressure on the national team, which has had to adjust to different playing environments throughout their qualifying campaigns.

Nonetheless, the Warriors remain hopeful of securing a positive result in Botswana as they strive to qualify for the CHAN tournament.