Bafana Bafana composed for Durban showdown against Zimbabwe

Durban is ready. The lights of Moses Mabhida Stadium will glow brighter this Friday, 10 October, as Bafana Bafana host Zimbabwe in a must-win FIFA World Cup Qualifier. With kick-off set for 6PM, all eyes will be on South Africa as they look to take another bold step toward the 2026 World Cup.

After a battling 1–1 draw against Nigeria, Hugo Broos’ men come into this clash with renewed confidence and belief. That result in Uyo showed their growing maturity: South Africa fought hard, pressed high, and created chances. An own goal from William Troost-Ekong handed Bafana the lead, a moment that underlined their attacking threat and composure under pressure. Though Nigeria found an equaliser, the performance proved one thing: Bafana Bafana can stand toe to toe with Africa’s giants.

Now, the focus turns to Zimbabwe, a familiar foe with unfinished business. The last time the two sides met, on 11 June 2024, South Africa emerged 3–1 winners, thanks to goals from Iqraam Rayners and a brilliant brace by Thapelo Morena. That victory was more than just three points; it was a statement of intent, and a reminder that when Bafana find their rhythm, they’re hard to stop.

BLOEMFONTEIN, SOUTH AFRICA - SEPTEMBER 09: South Africa players celebrate during the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier match between South Africa and Nigeria at Toyota Stadium on September 09, 2025 in Bloemfontein, South Africa. (Photo by Charlé Lombard/Gallo Images/Getty Images)

Backed by the passionate Durban crowd, Broos’ charges will be hungry to deliver another memorable performance. The energy from the stands often mirrors the fire on the pitch, and with qualification hopes alive, South Africa know they can’t afford to slip.

Coach Hugo Broos has emphasised focus and consistency, urging his team to turn promise into points. “We’ve grown as a unit; now it’s about finishing strong,” he said earlier this week. With confidence, chemistry, and home advantage on their side, Bafana Bafana are ready to rise once again, and he’s confident that his charge will qualify for World Cup 2026 ahead of Zimbabwe and Rwanda.

This is more than a match, it’s a moment. A chance for South Africa to assert their dominance, inspire a nation, and move closer to their World Cup dream. The story continues in Durban, and you won’t want to miss a single second.

Other fixtures on the day:

· South Sudan vs Senegal: 14:00

· Gambia vs Gabon: 15:00

· Seychelles vs Cote d’Ivoire: 15:00

· Sudan vs Mauritania: 15:00

· Togo vs DR Congo: 15:00

· Lesotho vs Nigeria: 18:00

· Rwanda vs Benin: 18:00

· Sao Tome and Principe vs Tunisia: 18:00

Catch all the live action on Showmax Premier League, your home of dramatic, unforgettable moments.