Story by Lawrence Trusida
ZIMBABWE men’s senior national football team coach, Michael Nees, has blended youth and experience in the Warriors squad announced this Thursday ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers against Benin and Rwanda.
Zimbabwe face Benin away in Cote d’Ivoire on September 5 before hosting Rwanda at Orlando Stadium in South Africa on September 9.
Ahead of the two encounters and with the Africa Cup of Nations on the horizon, coach Nees has decided to cast his net wider.
The German coach has called in 18-year-old defensive midfielder Prosper Padera, who plays for SJK Seinäjo in the Finnish Veikkausliiga.
Padera had a successful audition at the COSAFA senior men championship earlier in the year and has been rewarded with a senior team call-up.
The 20-year-old central midfielder Sean Fusire who plays for English championship side Sheffield Wednesday has also been given another chance to showcase his skills after being called up for friendly matches in June.
Winger Bill Antonio, who has recovered from a long-term injury, has been given a chance to don the senior national team jersey.
The 22-year-old was part of the Warriors squad that played friendly matches in June, although he did not get much game time.
Forward Thandolwenkosi Ngwenya, who recently signed for AmaZulu in South Africa has earned his place after a successful audition at the COSAFA tournament in June.
The 22-year-old striker scored his first goal for his new club this Wednesday after a few good seasons with FC Platinum.
The much-loved Tawanda Chirewa and his name’s sake Maswanhise – have retained their places in the squad after impressing during this campaign.
Apart from the youngsters, the German coach has retained experienced campaigners in goalkeepers Washington Arubi, Elvis Chipezeze and Martin Mapisa.
In defence, Gerald Takwara, Munashe Garananga, Teenage Hadebe and Brandon Galloway will be competing for places while Devine Lunga, Jordan Zemura and Emmanuel Jalai are expected to be vying for positions on the flanks.
In midfield, captain Marvelous Nakamba is available alongside his deputy Marshall Munetsi and former captain Knowledge Musona.
Upfront, classy Walter Musona, unpredictable Terence Dzvukamanja and Tino Kadewere are expected to provide the goals.
Forward Khama Billiat and goalkeeper Marley Tavaziva have been left out due to fitness issues, while Andy Rinomhota is club hunting.
Local stars Abubakar Moffat of MWOS, Emmanuel Ziocha of Simba Bhora and Mason Mushore of Highlanders can consider themselves unlucky not to have been picked up, while inform striker Tymon Machope will also feel hard done..
