HARARE – As anticipation builds for Zimbabwe’s upcoming international friendlies against Algeria and Qatar, the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) has addressed growing fan concerns over the absence of several high-profile players from the final 24-man Warriors squad. The omissions of Marshall Munetsi, Knowledge Musona, Tymon Machope, and Khama Billiat have sparked debate among supporters, many of whom expected the seasoned stars to feature prominently in the November fixtures.

Why These Regulars Are Missing

Marshall Munetsi – Club Commitments Amid Coaching Changes
Munetsi, a midfield mainstay and one of Zimbabwe’s most consistent performers in Europe, was excused at the request of his club due to an ongoing coaching transition. With his club undergoing structural changes in the technical department, Munetsi’s presence was deemed critical during this period. ZIFA confirmed that the decision was made in consultation with both the player and his club, prioritizing long-term stability for all parties.

Tymon Machope – Injury Setback
The dynamic forward Tymon Machope has been ruled out with a calf injury sustained during domestic league action. The injury, while not long-term, was serious enough to prevent his participation in the friendlies. His absence is a blow to the Warriors’ attacking options, especially given his recent form for Scottland FC.

Knowledge Musona – Hamstring Injury
Veteran striker and former captain Knowledge Musona is also unavailable after suffering a hamstring injury. Musona’s leadership and goal-scoring instincts have long been vital to the national team, and his absence will be felt both on and off the pitch. ZIFA medical staff confirmed that the injury requires rest and rehabilitation, ruling him out of the November window.

Khama Billiat – Personal Reasons
Khama Billiat, another fan favorite, was excused for personal reasons. While ZIFA did not disclose further details, the association emphasized that the decision was made with full respect for the player’s privacy and in alignment with his current circumstances. Billiat’s international appearances have been limited in recent years, but his creativity and flair remain unmatched when available.

Despite the absence of these influential figures, ZIFA and head coach Marian Marinica remain optimistic about the squad’s potential. The friendlies are seen as an opportunity to test new combinations and give emerging talents a platform to shine ahead of the next month’s 2025 AFCON tournament.

As the Warriors prepare to face two formidable opponents, the spotlight now turns to the next generation — and whether they can rise to the challenge in the absence of some of Zimbabwe’s most iconic footballing names.

HARARE – The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) has officially unveiled a 24-man squad for the senior men’s national team, the Warriors, ahead of their international friendlies against Algeria and Qatar during the November FIFA window. The matches are part of the team’s preparations for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.

The squad, announced by ZIFA’s Media and Communications Department, features a blend of seasoned local and foreign based players drawn from clubs across Africa, Europe, and the local Premier Soccer League.

Goalkeepers

• Washington Arubi (Marumo Gallants FC)
• Elvis Chipezeze (Magesi FC)
• Martin Mapisa (MWOS FC)

Defenders

• Gerald Takwara (Al Ittihad Misurata SC, Libya)
• Munashe Garananga (FC Copenhagen)
• Godknows Murwira (Scottland FC)
• Emmanuel Jalai (Dynamos FC)

Midfielders

• Teenage Hadebe (FC Cincinnati)
• Divine Lunga (Mamelodi Sundowns FC)
• Brandon Galloway (Plymouth Argyle FC)
• Jonah Fabisch (FC Erzgebirge Aue)
• Tawanda Chirewa (Wolverhampton Wanderers FC)
• Marvelous Nakamba (Luton Town FC)
• Sean Fusire (Sheffield Wednesday FC)
• Prosper Padera (SJK Seinäjoki)
• Jordan Zemura (Udinese)
• Daniel Msendami (Marumo Gallants FC)

Strikers

• Knowledge Musona (Scottland FC)
• Tymon Machope (Scottland FC)
• Prince Dube (Young Africans SC)
• Washington Navaya (TelOne FC)
• Tawanda Maswanhise (Motherwell FC)
• Bill Antonio (KV Mechelen FC)
• Walter Musona (Scottland FC)

Technical Team

The squad will be led by head coach Marian Marinica, with support from assistant coach Kaitano Tembo. The technical bench also includes Pernel Charles Mckop (Goalkeepers’ Coach), Chikondi Mandalasi (Strength and Conditioning), Abraham Mbaiwa (Fitness Trainer), and analysts Ronald Dumisani Moroka and James Makoni.

The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) has announced the appointment of Romanian tactician Marian (Mario) Marinica as the new Head Coach of the Zimbabwe Senior Men’s National Football Team, the Warriors, on a one-year contract. The announcement, made Tuesday, marks Marinica’s return to Southern African football just over two years after his controversial exit from Malawi.

Marinica, 61, was dismissed by the Football Association of Malawi (FAM) in April 2023 following a string of poor results in the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers. His tenure ended after back-to-back defeats to Egypt — a 2-1 loss in Cairo on March 24 and a crushing 4-0 defeat at home at Bingu National Stadium on March 28. The losses sparked public outrage, with fans staging protests and calling for the resignation of both Marinica and FAM President Walter Nyamilandu Manda.

Despite the sour ending, Marinica’s time in Malawi was not without highlights. He is credited with leading the Flames to a historic Round of 16 finish at the 2021 AFCON tournament in Cameroon — Malawi’s best-ever performance at the continental showpiece. His tactical approach, dubbed “fast and very fast football,” earned praise during the tournament, where Malawi stunned Senegal with a goalless draw and defeated Zimbabwe 2-1 in the group stage.

ZIFA expressed confidence in Marinica’s qualifications, experience and regional familiarity, stating that throughout his “distinguished” career, he has worked with several prestigious clubs and national teams.

“A highly accomplished UEFA Pro Licensed coach, Marinica brings over 25 years of international coaching and technical experience across four continents – Africa, Europe, Asia, and South America. He holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Sports Coaching from South Bank University (England) and a Diploma in Management, underlining a blend of technical expertise and strategic leadership. Throughout his distinguished career, Marinica has worked with several prestigious clubs and national teams including Arsenal FC, Chelsea FC, Internazionale Milano, AS Monaco, Liverpool FC, and Tottenham Hotspur, as well as the Paraguay, Mauritius, Malawi, and Liberia national teams,” ZIFA said in a press statement.

The Romanian’s background also includes serving as a Technical Director, Coach Educator, and Performance Consultant, with deep expertise in player development, match analysis, and grassroots structures. His track record of empowering local coaches and integrating diaspora talent aligns closely with ZIFA’s long-term football development strategy.

Speaking on the appointment, ZIFA President Ngobile Magwizi said:

“We are delighted to welcome Coach Marinica to Zimbabwe. His wealth of experience, modern football philosophy, and proven results at international level make him the ideal candidate to lead the Warriors into a new era. His appointment reflects ZIFA’s commitment to building a competitive and sustainable football structure that delivers results both on and off the pitch.”

Marinica’s immediate task will be preparing the Warriors for the 2025 AFCON campaign scheduled for next month. His appointment has sparked mixed reactions among Zimbabwean football fans, with some hopeful that his previous success with Malawi could translate into a revival for the Warriors, while others remain cautious given his recent setbacks.

As the Warriors embark on a new chapter, all eyes will be on Marinica to see whether he can replicate past glories and steer Zimbabwe back to the top tier of African football.