Sports Correspondent
Warriors coach Michael Nees has announced a formidable squad to face Nigeria and Benin in the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers Group C games. Zimbabwe will host Benin on March 21 at the Moses Mabida Stadium in Durban, South Africa, before traveling to Uyo, Nigeria to face the Super Eagles at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium four days later.
In a significant boost to the team, Knowledge Musona has ended his international retirement and returns to the Warriors fold. Musona had retired from national duty in May 2022 to focus on his club career and give younger players a chance. However, after convincing from Nees, the midfielder has reconsidered his decision and rejoins the squad.
Current captain Marvelous Nakamba and goalkeeper Washington Arubi, who have both struggled with injuries recently, have been named in the squad. Other notable inclusions are Wolves’ new signing Marshall Munetsi, Huddersfield’s on-loan signing Tawanda Chirewa, and Khama Billiat, who plays for Scotland FC in the Castle Lager Premiership.
The Warriors squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers is as follows:
Goalkeepers:
- Washington Arubi (Marumo Gallants, SA)
- Martin Mapisa (MWOS FC, Zim)
- Marley Tavaziva (Brentford, England)
Defenders:
- Jordan Zemura (Udinese, Italy)
- Godknows Murwira (Scottland FC, Zim)
- Emmanuel Jalai (Dynamos, Zim)
- Devine Lunga (Mamelodi Sundowns, SA)
- Gerald Takwara (Al Minaa, Iraq)
- Munashe Garan’anga (FC Copenhagen, Denmark)
- Isheanesu Mauchi (Simba Bhora, Zim)
- Peter Muduhwa (Scottland FC, Zim)
Midfielders:
- Khama Billiat (Scotland FC, Zim)
- Marshall Munetsi (Wolverhampton, England)
- Andy Rinomhota (Cardiff City, England)
- Marvellous Nakamba (Luton Town, England)
- Mthokozisi Msebe (Scottland FC, Zim)
- Knowledge Musona (Al-Okhdood, Saudi Arabia)
- Tawanda Chirewa (Huddersfield Town, England)
Forwards:
- Prince Dube (Young Africans, Tanzania)
- Tawanda Maswanhise (Motherwell, Scotland)
- Terrence Dzvukamanja (SuperSport United, SA)
- Tymon Machope (Scottland FC, Zim)
- Walter Musona (Scottland FC)