HARARE – The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) has released an updated 24-man Warriors squad for the upcoming international friendlies against Algeria and Qatar, scheduled during the November FIFA window. While the squad features a strong mix of local and international talent, the announcement was marked by the absence of several key players — most notably midfield dynamo Marshall Munetsi.

Munetsi, who plays for the English Premier League side Wolves has been a consistent presence in Zimbabwe’s midfield and a fan favorite for his tireless work rate and leadership, was excused from national duty at the request of his club. According to ZIFA, the decision was made in light of a coaching transition currently underway at Munetsi’s club, which requires his presence during a critical restructuring phase.

The absence of Munetsi is seen as a significant blow to the Warriors’ midfield depth, especially given his experience in top-flight European football and his role in previous AFCON campaigns. His ability to break up play and initiate attacks has often been pivotal for Zimbabwe, and his leadership on and off the pitch will be missed.

Other Notable Absentees

• Tymon Machope: The promising striker was ruled out due to a calf injury sustained during club training. His absence leaves a gap in the attacking options, especially given his recent form.
• Knowledge Musona: The veteran forward and former captain is sidelined with a hamstring injury. Musona’s experience and goal-scoring prowess have long been assets to the national team.
• Khama Billiart: The talented playmaker was excused for personal reasons. While Billiart’s international appearances have been sporadic in recent years, his creativity remains unmatched when fit and available.

The inclusion of youngsters like Tivonge Rushesha and Isheanesu Mauchi signals a strategic shift toward building depth and resilience.

The friendlies against Algeria and Qatar are expected to serve as key benchmarks for tactical experimentation and squad cohesion. With Munetsi unavailable, the midfield responsibilities will likely fall to Marvelous Nakamba, Jordan Zemura, and Brendan Galloway — all of whom bring Premier League and Serie A experience to the fold.

As the Warriors prepare to face two formidable opponents, the spotlight will be on how the team adapts to the absence of its seasoned campaigners and whether the new faces can rise to the occasion.

Updated SQUAD LIST

Washington Arubi

Martin Mapisa

Elvis Chipezeze

Godknows Murwira

Emmanuel Jalai

Divine Lunga

Gerald Takwara

Munashe Garananga

Teenage Hadebe

Isheanesu Mauchi

Brendan Galloway

Marvelous Nakamba

Sean Fusire

Prosper Padera

Jordan Zemura

Jonah Fabisch

Tivonge Rushesha

Bill Antonio

Tawanda Maswanhise

Walter Musona

Washington Navaya

Tawanda Chirewa

Daniel Msendami

Prince Dube

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.