Warriors Begin Preparations in Morocco for Sierra Leone Clash

The Warriors have begun their preparations for Thursday’s AFCON 2027 qualifier against Sierra Leone, holding their first training session at Raja Athletic Club, home of Raja Casablanca, as players assemble in Morocco for the opening assignment of their qualifying campaign.

With 19 players already in camp and two more expected later today, head coach Ramon Catala has started working with the squad ahead of the encounter in El Jadida on Thursday, 24 September. The session marks the beginning of an important week for Zimbabwe, with an away fixture followed by a homecoming against the Democratic Republic of Congo in Harare.

For Catala, the immediate task is to bring together players arriving from different clubs and competitions and establish a shared understanding of how the Warriors will approach Sierra Leone. With limited preparation time between arrivals and matchday, every session offers an opportunity to build combinations and sharpen the team’s organisation.

“It is good to have the players together and begin our work on the pitch,” Catala said. “We have an important match ahead of us, and our focus is on preparing properly, understanding our responsibilities and playing as a team. We want to represent Zimbabwe with pride and give ourselves the best possible opportunity to start positively.”

The players currently in camp are Marshall Munetsi, Elvis Chipezeze, Daniel Msendami, Andy Rinomhota, Prosper Padera, Munashe Garananga, Sean Fusire, Bill Antonio, Shane Maroodza, Marvelous Nakamba, Thando Ngwenya, Tawanda Chirewa, Corbin Mthunzi, Martin Mapisa, Nelson Chadya, Peter Muduhwa, Kevin Moyo, Emmanuel Jalai and Abubakar Moffat.

Divine Lunga and Tawanda Maswanhise are expected to arrive later today, taking the group to 21 players as preparations continue. Their arrival will give the technical team additional options as attention turns towards selecting the side for Thursday’s contest.

Zimbabwe will, however, be without Isaac Mabaya, Prince Dube and Tinotenda Kadewere, who have been ruled out through injury. Their absence creates opportunities for other members of the squad to take responsibility during a demanding international window.

The available group brings together established internationals and players seeking to strengthen their place in the national team. For all of them, the days ahead offer the chance to demonstrate their readiness and contribute to Zimbabwe’s qualifying ambitions.

Team Manager Esrom Nyandoro said the camp’s priority was to ensure that the players and technical staff could concentrate fully on the football.

“We have 19 players in camp, with Divine Lunga and Tawanda Maswanhise expected later today,” Nyandoro said. “Our responsibility is to make sure the team has the support it needs to prepare well. It is unfortunate that we have lost three players through injury, but the group here has an important job to do, and our attention is firmly on Thursday’s match.”

Washington Navaya and Leeroy Mavunga will link up with the squad when the Warriors return to Harare ahead of the Matchday Two encounter against DRC at the National Sports Stadium on Monday, 28 September.

That fixture will carry special significance as the Warriors return to playing at home, with Zimbabwean supporters preparing to welcome their team back to the National Sports Stadium.

Before that occasion, however, comes the challenge in El Jadida. Zimbabwe’s immediate objective is to turn the work in Casablanca into a disciplined, competitive performance against Sierra Leone.

The opening fixture presents an early opportunity to establish momentum in the qualifying campaign. For Catala and his players, that begins with the details on the training ground: communication, concentration and a collective willingness to work for one another.

From Casablanca to El Jadida, the task is clear. The Warriors are preparing to answer the opening whistle with purpose, unity and national pride.

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