2026 WCQ: Zimbabwe Coach Taunts South Africa, Declares Team Ready

2026 WCQ: Zimbabwe Coach Taunts South Africa, Declares Team Ready

Sampson Adedeji

As anticipation builds for Matchday 9 of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, Zimbabwe’s head coach Michael Nees has taken a subtle jab at South Africa’s Bafana Bafana while expressing confidence in his team’s readiness, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

This comes after FIFA deducted three points from South Africa for fielding midfielder Teboho Mokoena illegally in their qualifier against Lesotho a decision that has significantly altered the Group C standings.

The punishment leaves South Africa tied with Benin on 14 points, setting the stage for a high-stakes clash with Zimbabwe.

Reacting to the development, Nees humorously said: “Let me check… yes, everything is in order no yellow cards… or maybe I should double-check,” he joked.

With a grin, he added: “It needs to be confirmed several times, but it seems our team is ready for the challenge.”

Zimbabwe’s Warriors will take on South Africa’s Bafana Bafana next Friday in what promises to be a fiery encounter in the ninth round of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.