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 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.