Story by Mthokozisi Dube
WARRIORS captain for the 2025 COSAFA Cup Andrew Mbeba has implored his teammates to utilise the tournament as a launch pad to their international careers.
Not new to national team leadership, Mbeba has captained the Under 20 before and now he has been entrusted to lead a young team at the upcoming COSAFA Cup.
Mbeba, who has also featured for Under 17, Under 20, Under 23 and the senior Warriors fold believes the team picked up for the COSAFA Cup has what it takes to represent the country in the regional showpiece.
The lanky Highlanders defender has been thrown into the deep end to guide the youngsters and believes the young stars should utilise the platform to launch their international careers.
“It feels good to be selected among the best. It means the coaches have seen some leadership qualities in me. The selection is significant for me as it has come at a time when I have been making those cameo appearances, but all I can say is that the team is capable. The young stars should use the platform to develop their careers,” Mbeba said.
Young Highlanders forward Prince Ndlovu is also relishing the opportunity to represent his country.
“I have played in the U23 and the Chan tournaments and I am ready to deliver for the country on the big stage.”
Zimbabwe is using this year’s tournament to prepare for the 2028 Olympic Qualifiers which start next year hence they have selected most players eligible for those qualifiers.
With the country also fine-tuning ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations tournament set for December in Morocco, the COSAFA tourney is also a platform for coach Michael Nees to select additions for the senior national team.
The COSAFA tourney erupts in Bloemfontein from June 4.
