Story by Lawrence Trusida, Sports Editor
THE senior men’s soccer team, the Warriors, will be out to finish their 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers on a winning note when they take on Lesotho in Polokwane this Monday.
After nine matches and five draws, the Warriors are still searching for that elusive victory that has so far slipped through their fingers.
It has been a campaign of mixed emotions for Zimbabwe; good performances in patches and lack of consistency have left them at the bottom of Group C with five points.
Their latest display, however, gave fans a reason to believe again, against a highly rated South African side at the Moses Mabhidha, in Durban, the Warriors put in a disciplined and courageous performance, holding their own and earning a well-deserved draw that felt more like a moral victory with the two set to meet again at the Africa Cup of Nations in December.
That performance has lifted spirits in the camp, and the players are now eager to translate effort into results.
Head coach Michael Nees has emphasised the importance of ending on a high, not only for the team’s confidence but also as a statement of intent heading towards the Africa Cup of Nations finals to be held in Morocco later this year.
Lesotho, sitting second from bottom on nine points, comes into the match equally motivated.
They stunned many with their resilience earlier in the campaign and will be looking to complete a rare double over Zimbabwe after winning the reverse fixture two-nil in Johannesburg, South Africa.
That loss still lingers in the Warriors’ minds as a reminder of how costly lapses in concentration can be at this level.
The Warriors are expected to build on the defensive solidity shown against South Africa, while also seeking greater sharpness in attack.
The likes of Tawanda Chirewa, Walter Musona, and Tawanda Maswanhise will carry the offensive responsibility, supported by the industry of Marshall Munetsi and the composure of captain Marvelous Nakamba.
In Polokwane, the Warriors will look to turn five draws into one defining win, a victory to remind everyone that Zimbabwean football still has its fight, flair, and future intact.
