By Chantelle Muzanenhamo
The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) has unveiled the 24-man Warriors squad set to face Algeria and Qatar in two crucial international friendlies this month.
The announcement marks the first squad selection by newly appointed head coach Marian Marinica, ushering in a new era for Zimbabwean football.
The Romanian tactician, who recently took charge of the Warriors, will be assisted by Kaitano Tembo, while Pernel Charles Mckop assumes goalkeeping coach duties.
The friendly fixtures will serve as vital preparation ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco, with Zimbabwe drawn in a challenging Group B alongside Egypt, Angola, and South Africa.
ZIFA confirmed the squad on Friday through an official statement.
Among the notable inclusions are veterans Knowledge Musona and Marvelous Nakamba, who bring leadership and top-tier experience to the fold.
Rising stars such as Tawanda Chirewa of Wolverhampton Wanderers and Sean Fusire of Sheffield Wednesday underline Marinica’s commitment to nurturing young talent for the future.
Full Squad Announcement
Goalkeepers:
Washington Arubi (Marumo Gallants FC), Elvis Chipezeze (Magesi FC), Martin Mapisa (MWOS FC)
Defenders:
Gerald Takwara (Al Ittihad Misurata SC, Libya), Munashe Garananga (FC Copenhagen), Godknows Murwira (Scottland FC), Emmanuel Jalai (Dynamos FC), Teenage Hadebe (FC Cincinnati), Divine Lunga (Mamelodi Sundowns FC), Brandon Galloway (Plymouth Argyle FC)
Midfielders:
Jonah Fabisch (FC Erzgebirge Aue), Tawanda Chirewa (Wolverhampton Wanderers FC), Marvelous Nakamba (Luton Town FC), Sean Fusire (Sheffield Wednesday FC), Prosper Padera (SJK Seinajoki), Jordan Zemura (Udinese), Daniel Msendami (Marumo Gallants FC)
Strikers:
Knowledge Musona (Scottland FC), Tymon Machope (Scottland FC), Prince Dube (Young Africans SC), Washington Navaya (TelOne FC), Tawanda Maswanhise (Motherwell FC), Bill Antonio (KV Mechelen), Walter Musona (Scottland FC)
With AFCON 2025 fast approaching, the friendlies offer a valuable opportunity to experiment with formations, evaluate player roles, and strengthen team cohesion.