Zimbabwe vs Namibia AFCON Qualifier to be Played Without Fans at Orlando Stadium

The Zimbabwe Warriors will face Namibia in an empty Orlando Stadium due to financial constraints by Namibian authorities. Both countries are barred from hosting matches at home, leading to this arrangement. ZIFA has urged fans to stay away from the match, while the return match in Zimbabwe will allow spectators with a ticket price set at R50.
In a significant development concerning the upcoming 2025 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers, the Zimbabwe Warriors are set to compete against Namibia in an empty Orlando Stadium located in Johannesburg, South Africa. This situation arises from the announcement made by Namibian authorities indicating a lack of sufficient funds to cover the expenses associated with utilizing the stadium in the presence of fans. Consequently, this match is scheduled for Thursday, and both nations have agreed to host their upcoming encounters at this neutral venue due to the CAF’s ruling that prohibits international matches in Namibia’s Sam Nujoma Stadium, which has been declared unfit for such events. Mike Madoda, the spokesperson for the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA), communicated this decision via a social media post, urging fans to refrain from attending the match. He stated, “Please note that the Warriors’ Thursday game vs Namibia will be played behind closed doors at Namibia’s behest. A request has been made for all fans not to make their way to Orlando Stadium.” However, he added that the subsequent match, which will take place in Zimbabwe, will be open to ticket-holding fans, with entry fees pegged at R50. In Zimbabwean football circles, there is a growing sentiment that Namibia’s decision to restrict fan attendance is a strategic move to prevent a potentially overwhelming presence of Zimbabwean supporters. Given Zimbabwe’s significant migrant population in South Africa, there is a concern that supporters from Zimbabwe would substantially outnumber their Namibian counterparts at the stadium, affecting the match’s atmosphere.
This recent decision highlights the ongoing challenges faced by both Namibia and Zimbabwe in staging international football events, particularly concerning the unavailability of suitable venues for hosting such matches. The CAF (Confederation of African Football) has evaluated Namibia’s main stadium, leading to the ban on international play in the country, necessitating the use of a foreign venue. The arrangement to play at Orlando Stadium aims to facilitate these crucial qualifying matches for the AFCON, recognizing the regional rivalry and the need for both teams to compete for qualification while managing logistical and financial constraints.
In summary, the Zimbabwe Warriors’ upcoming AFCON qualifier against Namibia will occur without spectators at Orlando Stadium due to financial limitations faced by the Namibian authorities. While concerns arise regarding the potential for crowd dynamics impacting the match, the subsequent encounter in Zimbabwe will allow fans to attend, underscoring the ongoing complexities surrounding international football arrangements in the region.
Original Source: www.zimlive.com