Story by Lawrence Trusida, Sports Editor
Local-based senior national team players have departed for Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, ahead of the Warriors’ 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifier against Benin.
The contingent includes goalkeeper Martin Mapisa, defenders Emmanuel Jalai and Godknows Murwira, as well as forwards Walter Musona and Terrence Dzvukamanja, who travelled together with the technical department.
They are expected to arrive in Abidjan on Monday afternoon.
Meanwhile, in-form striker Tymon Machope has been drafted into the squad as a replacement for midfielder Jonah Fabisch, who failed to recover from a concussion.
Elsewhere, midfielder Tivonge Rushesha, who turns out for Reading in England, has been called up to replace Sean Fusire, after the latter failed to agree financial terms with ZIFA.
Zimbabwe will take on Benin this Friday before hosting Rwanda in South Africa next week.
