HARARE – Zimbabwe Warriors head coach Michael Nees has announced his 23-man squad to face South Africa and Lesotho in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, with matches scheduled for Durban and Polokwane. While the fixtures form part of the global road to 2026, they carry no real consequence for Zimbabwe as the Warriors have already been knocked out of contention.
Nees’ selection blends experience and youth, with Washington Arubi, Elvis Chipezeze, and Martin Mapisa guarding the posts, while defenders Teenage Hadebe, Jordan Zemura, Divine Lunga, Brandon Galloway, Munashe Garananga, Emmanuel Jalai, and Gerald Takwara form the core of the backline. Midfield powerhouses Marvellous Nakamba and Marshall Munetsi are joined by Knowledge Musona, Khama Billiat, Terrence Dzvukamanja, Bill Antonio, Jonah Fabisch, while the attack features Prince Dube, Walter Musona, Thando Ngwenya and Tawanda Maswanhise.
Although the World Cup dream is already over, Nees has emphasised that these games will be taken seriously as the Warriors are also using them to prepare for the Africa Cup of Nations, where they face a tough group against some of the continent’s strongest teams. For the players, it is a chance to restore pride, stake their claim for AFCON selection, and show that Zimbabwean football is rebuilding towards a brighter future.
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