The Warriors are without a win so far in the qualifiers and it is a game where Bafana Bafana are desperate for victory to keep their qualification hopes alive.
But their opponents will be no pushovers. Zimbabwe have already held Nigeria to two 1-1 draws, and taken points off Benin and Rwanda.
Here are five dangermen in the Warriors’ camp who could cause Bafana problems.
WASHINGTON ARUBI (MARUMO GALLANTS, SOUTH AFRICA)
Fresh from ousting Mamelodi Sundowns from the Carling Knockout, Arubi is a goalkeeper for the big occasion and tends to turn up in high-profile matches and excel. He turned 40 in August so is no spring chicken, but all that experience is hugely valuable, not just in his work as a keeper, but also marshalling the defence. He is a wise old head at the back for the side.
KHAMA BILLIAT (SCOTTLAND, ZIMBABWE)
The 35-year-old Billiat is back in the national fold after retiring in 2021 and has been on good form for his ambitious Zimbabwean side Scottland. The pace of old may be gone, but like Arubi he has plenty of knowhow and will be well aware of the talents of most of these Bafana Bafana players, some of whom he played alongside. A tricky player on the ball, he will be hugely motivated to perform.
DIVINE LUNGA (MAMELODI SUNDOWNS, SOUTH AFRICA)
Lunga will know everything there is to know about this South African team, and is current teammates at Mamelodi Sundowns with no fewer than eight of the Bafana Bafana squad. That knowledge, built up over seven seasons in the Betway Premiership, could be invaluable. He is also a strong attacking option on the left-side of defence, though you feel most of his evening will be spent in the defensive third.
MARSHALL MUNETSI (WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS, ENGLAND)
Another player with experience in South Africa, he played for Ubuntu Cape Town, Baroka FC and Orlando Pirates before making the switch to Reims in France in 2019. He has since joined Wolves in England, where he is used more as an attacking midfielder. He has the ability to control the centre of the park and if he can get on top in that area, will be a huge threat to Bafana. Hard-working and industrious, the 29-year-old has improved greatly in Europe and is at the peak of his powers.
JORDAN ZEMURA (UDINESE, ITALY)
He plays as a left-back for Udinese in Serie A but is likely to be on the left wing for Zimbabwe such is his attacking ability. He has become a star at his side in Italy since he joined them in 2023 following three years at Bournemouth. The 25-year-old was born in London but qualified for Zimbabwe as both his parents hail from the Southern African nation. He made his debut for the country in November 2020.