Story by Lawrence Trusida, Sports Editor
INFORM Simba Bhora striker Tymon Machope has earned a maiden call to the national team after interim Warriors coach Jairos Tapera announced a 23-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers against Lesotho and South Africa next month.
The enterprising striker has scored four goals for his club in the Premier Soccer League and will be competing for a place in the final squad with other forwards Tinotenda Kadewere of Nantes in France, Tawanda Chirewa of Wolves in England and Douglas Mapfumo who scored three goals for Polokwane City in South Africa.
The exclusion of Lynoth Chikuhwa of Highlanders, however, raises eyebrows as the striker has found the back of the net seven times in 11 matches this season.
There are no surprises in between the goal post after Chicken Inn’s Donavan Bernard, Martin Mapisa of Dynamos and Godfrey Chitsumba who has been in good form for Manica Diamonds were called up.
Highlanders’ vice-captain Peter Muduhwa has been dropped for CAPS United captain Godknows Murwira in defence, with Andrew Mbeba keeping his place.
The rest of the defensive line is unchanged with regular internationals Brandon Galloway, Teenage Hadebe, Gerald Takwara and Devine Lunga, all included in the squad.
France-based Marshall Munetsi headlines the midfield department that also has the likes of Andy Rinomhota, Jordan Zemura, Walter Musona and Tawanda Maswanhise.
Daniel Msendami who is based in Botswana has been given a call-up to come and challenge for a place in the starting 11 after impressing in the Botswana Premier League.
The foreign-based players are expected to assemble in South Africa while the local contingent will go into camp this Thursday.
Zimbabwe takes on Lesotho on the 7th of June in Johannesburg before travelling to Bloemfontein for a date against South Africa four days later.
The Warriors are 4th in Group C with two points from two matches.
The group is led by Rwanda who have four points, while South Africa are a point behind.
