Former Zimbabwe international Alois Bunjira expects the Warriors and Bafana Bafana to finish in the top two positions of Group B at the 2025 AFCON finals.
Zimbabwe has been drawn in a competitive group alongside South Africa, Angola, and Egypt, promising an exciting tournament.
Bunjira believes that football fans can expect a significantly improved Zimbabwean national team in Morocco this December.
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"This is a favorable draw for Zimbabwe. We now have a very strong team, with many players competing for top European clubs," Bunjira told KickOff.
"The last time South Africa beat us, our national team and technical department were not functioning well. Now we have a stable, substantive coach who is making the right decisions football-wise, and we won't be bullied anymore.
"I'm pleased with this draw. It's an ideal group to showcase our talent. I'm sure the match between South Africa and Zimbabwe will be a blockbuster. As a fan of both South Africa and Zimbabwe, I hope both teams advance to the next round. Egypt is not as formidable as they used to be.
"We now have a strong squad in every position. Jordan Zemura has become a standout player at Udinese in Italy, and we hear he might join AS Roma in the summer. Marshal Munetsi is excelling at Club de Reims in France, while Tawanda Maswanhise is making headlines at Motherwell in Scotland."
"Khama Billiat has regained his form. We have a solid defense featuring Divine Lunga, Brendan Galloway, and Munashe Garanganga from FC Copenhagen."
"We are also optimistic that Bill Antonio, who was injured while finding his form in Belgium, will be fit for AFCON as he has resumed training. I've heard that Isaac Mabaya from Liverpool is available for Zimbabwe. I just wish Reiss Nelson hadn't turned us down; he would have been a valuable addition to the team.
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"Unfortunately, Tino Kadewere from Nantes has been struggling with injuries recently. Hopefully, he will also be fit for AFCON. Andy Rinomhota is performing well in England, and we are hopeful that Marvelous Nakamba from Luton Town will be in top form heading into the AFCON finals. There are still nine months to go, it's possible that a new star could emerge this season as well.
"It seems unlikely that we'll be able to secure Trey Nyoni from Liverpool, but I'm confident that both South Africa and Zimbabwe will qualify for the knockout stages."