Zimbabwe focus not on spoiling Bafana Bafana party - Michael Nees

The Warriors take on Bafana Bafana in their penultimate 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban, with Zimbabwe already out of contention for a spot in the USA, Canada and Mexico.

But Bafana are desperate for points and need to secure victory in their last two matches, with goal difference also a factor, and Nees says Bafana will have to fight for their desired result.

"Bafana is, of course, in a good position to qualify, but four teams can still qualify and it's their responsibility to deal with that situation," said Nees.

"Our prime motivation is not to be the party crasher, our prime motivation is to be proper footballers, sportsmen, fair competitors to all involved, improve as a team, and not be accused of anything improper.

"Because it's also a duty to bring a good performance and get the deserved result from that performance – we can be confident of being a real competitor in the game, and I think that's what the spectators also want.

"I think South Africa want to qualify, but [to do so] deservedly, hey? So, if you want to deserve to qualify, you also need to bring a good performance."

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Nees says football’s integrity is reliant on Zimbabwe giving their best against neighbours and hosts Bafana, and says the stress test is necessary for his own charges as they prepare for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in December.

"We have a duty as sportsmen to take this game seriously. We cannot now start experimenting, giving players just a test ride and things like that, it would be interpreted very quickly in a certain way," he added.

"We cannot afford that, the history of Zimbabwean football is a little bit rocky, and we discussed that in length inside the association, so we have to give our best, it's our duty.

"And it's quite a – I would say – non-experimental team, you can see from the squad, there's experienced players, who have qualified for AFCON before, and some are missing through injuries, but I think the squad is strong enough to pass this stress test.

"We don't need to beat around the bush – South Africa is currently among the best teams in Africa, they are playing home away from home, or whatever we call it, and if we can pass that stress test then I think we are not far from ready for the AFCON."