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Zimbabwe are considering relocating their final AFCON Qualifier against Kenya aiming to improve logistical conditions and training facilities.
Zimbabwe national team head coach Michael Nees has revealed that the Warriors are exploring the possibility of relocating their final Group J AFCON qualifiers home match against Kenya to Polokwane.
Set to take place in November 15, the match is crucial for both teams as they look to secure a spot in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament.
With logistical challenges and substandard facilities marking their last stint in Johannesburg, Zimbabwe’s decision aims to enhance the team’s preparation and game day experience.
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In an interview on the Ollah 7 Podcast with Yvonne Mangunda, Nees detailed the rationale behind the proposed change of venue.
“We saw the need to improve on those areas and our conditions. Orlando Stadium was good when we played that Friday (against Namibia in the first leg). For every training, we needed a police escort, and we could spend more time on the bus," he said.
The previous encounter against Namibia highlighted several logistical issues for the Warriors, ranging from transportation constraints to the lack of accessible high-standard training grounds.
Johannesburg’s Orlando Stadium, where they hosted Namibia, is one of the few CAF-certified stadiums in the area but lacked the convenience Nees sought for his team.
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According to the coach, the demand for training grounds in Johannesburg led to overbooked facilities, making it difficult for the Warriors to secure a consistent, high-quality environment for practice sessions.
“We asked ourselves how we can improve on that,” Nees continued.
“We looked around for a Plan B, and we asked how Polokwane is? We inquired, and Polokwane has one of the best pitches in South Africa.”
In Polokwane, the Peter Mokaba Stadium stands out as a well-equipped option for the high-stakes qualifier.
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Built for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, the stadium has hosted international powerhouses like France, Uruguay and Argentina making it one of South Africa’s notable football venues.
Named in honor of anti-apartheid activist Peter Mokaba, the stadium carries a legacy of empowerment qualities that the Warriors are hoping to channel in their upcoming match against Kenya.
The November international break will see Zimbabwe face Kenya at their home venue and then travel to meet Cameroon in an away game.
The Warriors currently stand in a tightly contested Group J and each game is vital for their qualification hopes.
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