Staff Reporter.
Khama Billiat has warned Bafana Bafana his Zimbabwe side are ready to fight for three points when the teams clash in their 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifier at FNB Stadium on Thursday night.
Zimbabwe are out of the running for top spot in the pool having taken just a single point from a possible 12 in the qualifiers so far but can still upset the party for South Africa.
Bafana Bafana will likely have to win to keep top spot in Group G going into their final clash against Ghana in Cape Coast on Sunday, where a draw would then be enough to see them advance to the next stage.
But Kaizer Chiefs star Billiat says Zimbabwe will be fired up to perform, with the players vying for a place in coach Norman Mapeza’s squad at the Africa Cup of Nations finals in January.
“It’s a huge responsibility and as professionals we have to do our best. I am going to try not to put myself under pressure and play the way the coach wants us to play,” Billiat told journalists.
“We are taking the game seriously, as professionals representing a big nation. We are going to apply the things we have worked on at training. We believe in the coach, we believe in the tactics and if we stick to them, there is still a chance to come out with a good result.
“It’s a big game. South Africa need the points, we need to represent our country in the best way. It’s good that we know each other. I know them as much as they know us. We go into the game with great motivation just to do the best for the nation.”
The teams played to a 0-0 draw in Harare earlier in qualifying.
Meanwhile Ethiopia could do a massive favour for South Africa when they host Ghana in a Group G Matchday 5 2022 World Cup Qualifier, set for the Orlando Stadium in Soweto on Thursday 11 November 2021.
Kickoff is at 3pm.
Ghana come into the clash placed second on the standings, trailing leaders South Africa (who will host Zimbabwe at the nearby FNB Stadium later the same day) by just one point, and looking to claim a victory to pile the pressure on Bafana Bafana (with Ghana and SA set for a likely decisive clash in Cape Coast on Sunday 14 November).
The Black Stars picked up back-to-back wins over Zimbabwe in October under returning coach Milovan Rajevac, though the Serbian has had to defend his decision to call 18-year-old Felix Afena-Gyan of Roma into the preliminary squad.