ZIFA President Nqobile Magwizi has broken his silence following Zimbabwe’s disappointing exit from the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers, expressing deep dissatisfaction with the Warriors’ recent performances and announcing sweeping changes to the team’s technical setup.

In a candid address, Magwizi did not mince words about the national team’s failure to meet expectations. Zimbabwe suffered back-to-back 1–0 defeats to Rwanda and Benin, results that sealed their fate in Group C and ended their World Cup hopes. Earlier in the year, the Warriors had shown promise with a 1–1 draw against Nigeria and a 2–2 stalemate with Benin, but inconsistency and lack of finishing power ultimately proved costly.

“Recent results have not met the expectations of our nation, and we share in the pain and frustration of millions of Zimbabweans,” Magwizi told journalists, officials, and supporters. “Football in our country is more than a sport—it is a bond that unites us and a symbol of who we are.”

Rather than deflect blame, Magwizi took responsibility and pledged immediate action. He acknowledged that the Warriors’ performances had fallen short and that the time for cosmetic fixes was over. In response, he unveiled a bold restructuring of the technical team, aimed at restoring pride and competitiveness.

The most significant announcement was the appointment of former Warriors captain Kaitano Tembo as assistant coach to Michael Nees. Tembo, a respected figure in Zimbabwean football, brings a wealth of experience from his playing days at Dynamos and the national team, as well as a successful coaching career in South Africa with Supersport United and Sekhukhune United.

Tembo’s return was met with widespread approval, seen as a move that could inject discipline, tactical acumen, and leadership into a squad that has struggled for consistency.

Joining Tembo is Sharif Mussa, a revered football administrator with decades of experience in team management and technical coordination. Mussa takes on the role of team manager, tasked with professionalizing the Warriors’ operations and ensuring that logistical and structural support is aligned with high-performance standards.

Together, Tembo and Mussa represent a strategic blend of technical expertise and institutional memory—an effort to stabilize the team and prepare for the upcoming AFCON qualifiers.

Magwizi emphasized that these appointments were just the beginning. He acknowledged the urgency of the moment and pledged further steps to strengthen the Warriors, both on and off the pitch. His message to fans was clear: the administration hears their frustrations and is committed to turning things around.

“To our fans, we say: your passion is not taken for granted. We hear you. We respect you. We ask you to stand with us and with the Warriors. Division will not take us forward—unity, patience, and collective effort will,” Magwizi said.

He also highlighted progress in other areas, including youth development, refereeing standards, and international partnerships. Zimbabwe’s successful use of VAR in a U17 tournament and the certification of ten elite referees were cited as signs of growing credibility. The possibility of hosting another CAF tournament before year-end was presented as further evidence of restored trust in ZIFA’s leadership.

Magwizi closed his address with a defiant promise: “Zimbabwean football has risen before, and it will rise again. With unity, discipline, and belief, we shall restore the pride of our game.”

The challenge now lies in translating these bold moves into results on the pitch. For Zimbabwean fans, the hunger is not for speeches but for victories—moments that rekindle national pride and prove that the Warriors can once again be a force on the continental stage.

As the nation watches and waits, the spotlight turns to Tembo, Mussa, and Nees. The road to redemption begins now.

Zimbabwe’s senior national football team coach, Michael Nees, has announced a 23-man squad for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers Group C fixtures against South Africa and Lesotho, set to take place in October. The announcement, made on Tuesday, has seen the return of Khama Billiat and Prince Dube.

The Warriors will travel to South Africa to face Bafana Bafana at the iconic Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban on 10 October. Three days later, they will conclude their qualifying campaign against Lesotho at Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane.

The inclusion of Billiat and Dube could fire up the team’s attacking force. Billiat, once the poster boy of the Warriors and a standout performer in the South African Premier Soccer League, returns to the national setup after a lengthy absence due to injury. His creativity, experience, and flair are expected to inject much-needed dynamism into the midfield.

Prince Dube, who has been in fine form for his Tanzanian club, Young Africans, also makes a comeback after missing previous fixtures due to fitness concerns. Known for his pace and clinical finishing, Dube’s presence adds depth to Zimbabwe’s attacking options.

Coach Nees expressed confidence in the squad’s balance.

With the Warriors eliminated from the World Cup qualifiers last month, the two matches will serve as preparation for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. With the Warriors eliminated from the World Cup qualifiers last month, the two matches will serve as preparation for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

Goalkeepers
Washington Arubi, Elvis Chipezeze, Martin Mapisa

Defenders
Teenage Hadebe, Jordan Zemura, Brendan Galloway, Munashe Garan’anga, Emmanuel Jalai, Divine Lunga, Godknows Murwira.

Midfielders
Marvelous Nakamba, Marshall Munetsi, Jonah Fabisch, Khama Billiat, Knowledge Musona, Tawanda Chirewa, Bill Antonio.

Strikers
Tawanda Maswanhise, Walter Musona, Thando Ngwenya, Prince Dube.

NetOne, the country’s leading telecommunications provider, has announced the launch of its latest digital innovation — a powerful 4G WiFi router designed to deliver high-speed internet to homes, offices, and fan zones across Zimbabwe. With the capacity to connect up to 32 users and bundled with 15GB of free data, the router is retailing at an unbeatable price of $65.

In a message sent to clients, NetOne said, “You don t get this anywhere else except at your digital solutions network. A 4G Wi-Fi router connecting up to 32 usersplus 15GB Free Data at only $65? Unbelievable, right? Dash to your nearest NetOne shop Now and grab yours. Usasarira. Ungasaleli!!”

For sports fans, the timing couldn’t be better. With football leagues in full swing and cricket tournaments heating up, uninterrupted streaming is no longer a luxury — it’s a necessity. The new router promises seamless access to live matches, highlight reels, fantasy league updates, and post-game analysis, all without the dreaded buffering.

The router’s ability to support multiple devices makes it ideal for group viewing, family use, or even small businesses. With Zim dancehall playlists, sports betting apps, and social media buzzing during match days, NetOne’s 4G solution ensures fans stay plugged in from kickoff to final whistle.

The offer is available at all NetOne shops nationwide.

As Zimbabwe continues to embrace digital transformation, NetOne’s 4G WiFi router stands out as a bold step toward inclusive, high-speed connectivity — especially for those who live and breathe sport.

Image Credit: TechZim