
Innocent Kurira
HIS availability for the Warriors 2026 Fifa World Cup Qualifers Group C games against Lesotho and South Africa may have been shrouded in uncertainty but now that he is part of the squad, Jordan Zemura is ready to deliver for his country.
The Italy-based Udinese star, prior to the release of the squad, made headlines with reports that he had been sidelined owing to a rift with Zifa. The rift was reported to have emanated from the comments allegedly made by the player who criticised former coach, Norman Mapeza’s coaching methods. However, all that is in the past and Zemura is ready for the challenge that is ahead.
“It’s amazing. I come whenever I can, whether in season or off season. It’s always good to be here. I am honoured. The last two games in Rwanda we played well against Nigeria, I think we should have got more than a point. It’s two big games coming in this quest for World Cup qualification. We can dream. We dream as footballers to achieve these things. Who knows, 2026 is getting closer. The team is getting stronger. We have a strong group. We are working hard in training and the next two games will show how far we have gone,” said Zemura.
The Warriors face Lesotho this afternoon (Friday) in Johannesburg, before taking on South Africa on Tuesday, 11 June, in Bloemfontein. Zimbabwe will be the home side as they are forced to play away from home due to the unavailability of a Caf-certified stadium in the country.
Drawn in a tough Group C that also consists of African giants Nigeria, surprise group leaders Rwanda and Benin, the Zimbabweans have had a decent start to their campaign with a goalless draw against Rwanda and holding the Super Eagles to a 1-1 draw.
The Warriors began camp in Johannesburg on Monday ahead of the two crucial matches. Only Brandon Galloway has been ruled out of the upcoming two fixtures owing to injury.
Warriors Squad
Goalkeepers:
Bernard Donovan (Chicken Inn), Martin Mapisa (Dynamos FC), Godfrey Chitsumba (Manica Diamonds)
Defenders
Gerald Takwara (Ohod FC), Teenage Hadebe (Konyaspor) Brendan Galloway (Plymouth Argyle), Munashe Garananga (KV Mechelen), Andrew Mbeba (Highlanders), Godknows Murwira (Caps United), Shane Maroodza (Huddersfield), Devine Lunga (Mamelodi Sundowns)
Midfielders:
Marshall Munetsi (Stade de Reims), Andy Rinomhota (Rotherham United), Jordan Zemura (Udinese), Walter Musona (Simba Bhora) Daniel Msendami (Jwaneng Galaxy), Tivonge Rushesha (Reading), Joey Phuthi (Sheffield Wednesday), Tawanda Maswanhise (Leicester City)
Forwards
Tinotenda Kadewere (FC Nantes), Tawanda Chirewa (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Douglas Mapfumo (Polokwane City) Tymon Machope (Simba Bhora). — @innocentskizoe