Story by Anashe Murombedzi
THE Zimbabwe national football team, the Warriors, are in Durban, South Africa, ahead of their 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers against Benin.
A contingent of locally-based players, including Khama Billiat, Mthokozisi Msebe, Peter Muduhwa, Godknows Murwira, Tymon Machepe, Walter Musona, Isheanesu Mauchi of Simba Bhora, MWOS goalkeeper Martin Mapisa, and Dynamos captain Emmanuel Jalai, departed this Sunday.
The Warriors will face Benin on March 20 at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban before traveling to Uyo, Nigeria, to face the Super Eagles four days later.
Richard Hachiro, the Ngezi Platinum Stars midfielder, has replaced captain Marvelous Nakamba, who suffered a recurrence of his calf injury over the weekend.
The return of Knowledge Musona is a significant boost to the team.
“We are excited to have Knowledge back in the team, and we believe his experience and skill will be crucial in our quest to qualify for the World Cup. We know it will not be easy, but we are confident that we can get the results we need to stay in contention,” Warriors midfielder, Kharma Billiat said.
The Warriors were last in action in November last year when they sealed their place at the 2025 CAF Africa Cup of Nations, scheduled for Morocco.
Zimbabwe is currently bottom of Group C in the race for the expanded 48-team World Cup, scheduled to be co-hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
The foreign-based players are expected to join the team on Tuesday.
