Sports Correspondent
Zimbabwe’s Warriors have named a 25-member squad for their opening two 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Sierra Leone and the Democratic Republic of Congo, with coach Ramon Catala opting for a blend of experienced foreign-based players and promising local talent.
The Warriors begin their Group E campaign against Sierra Leone on September 24 at the Ben M’Hamed Stadium in El Jadida, Morocco, before hosting the Democratic Republic of Congo at the National Sports Stadium in Harare on September 28.
Catala has retained several of Zimbabwe’s established internationals, including captain Marvelous Nakamba, vice-captain Marshall Munetsi, Tawanda Maswanhise, Bill Antonio, Tawanda Chirewa and Tino Kadewere.
The squad also includes a new attacking option in Thando Ngwenya, who has made an impressive start to the season in South Africa and is currently leading the Golden Boot race with seven goals.
However, the Warriors will be without utility player Jordan Zemura after he suffered an injury while playing for Watford against Stoke City in the English Championship at the weekend.
Zemura was stretchered off after 42 minutes, with Watford losing 2-1. The club has not yet provided details on the extent of the injury.
Former Warriors’ captain Knowledge Musona is another notable absentee after suffering a hamstring injury while playing for Scottland against FC Platinum.
Scottland coach Norman Mapeza said scans showed that Musona would be sidelined for about two weeks.
There was also disappointment for Highlanders forward Mongameli Tshuma, who has been left out despite his impressive form, while Hardrock striker Washington Navaya, another leading scorer in the domestic league, also missed out.
Prince Dube was preferred ahead of Tshuma following his strong start with Hardrock.
Scottland has provided the bulk of the locally based players, with goalkeeper Nelson Chadya, defenders Emmanuel Jalai, Peter Muduhwa and Kevin Moyo, and midfielder Abubakar Moffat included.
The Warriors are expected to assemble in camp in the coming days as Catala begins preparations for the two crucial qualifiers.
Zimbabwe, who have qualified for the AFCON finals six times, face a Sierra Leone side that has already begun preparations. Leone Stars coach Didier Gomes Da Rosa has been working with locally based players for the past two weeks.
Warriors squad
Goalkeepers: Elvis Chipeze, Martin Mapisa, Nelson Chadya
Defenders: Divine Lunga, Munashe Garananga, Corbin Mthunzi, Shane Maroodza, Sean Fusire, Emmanuel Jalai, Peter Muduhwa, Kevin Moyo, Isaac Mabaya
Midfielders: Marshall Munetsi, Andy Rinomhota, Abubakar Moffat, Marvelous Nakamba, Prosper Padera
Forwards: Thando Ngwenya, Tawanda Chirewa, Bill Antonio, Daniel Msendami, Tawanda Maswanhise, Prince Dube, Tino Kadewere.
