Story by Anashe Murombedzi
THE Zimbabwe national football team, the Warriors’ preparations for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) are slowly gaining momentum, with Goalkeepers Coach Pernell Mckop and Elvis Chipezeze having joined camp and bringing valuable experience to the goalkeeping unit.
Their arrival follows that of team captain Marvelous Nakamba, who checked into camp on Friday morning.
The Warriors now have a week in camp, but the squad was largely made up of locally based players.
Coach Marian Marinica initially announced a preliminary 51-member squad that will be trimmed before the team’s departure to Morocco.
The initial camp had just over 20 players and the arrival of captain Nakamba, Mckop, Chipezeze, striker Thandolwenkosi Ngwenya and Dynamos captain Emmanuel Jalai, who recovered from a recent injury, goalkeeper Takudzwa Chikosi, and striker Thandolwenkosi Ngwenya.
Meanwhile, defender Alec Mudimu has been recalled from international retirement, while Manica Diamonds goalkeeper Tedious Baye, and AC Marinhense rising star Colbert Chimedza have been called to camp.
The Warriors are in Group B alongside Egypt, Angola, and South Africa.
They will begin their AFCON campaign on December 22 against Egypt.
