Online Reporter
Tadious Manyepo, Zimpapers Sports Hub
WARRIORS’ coach Michael Nees, is widening his selection pool as he prepares Zimbabwe for upcoming international friendlies against Burkina Faso and Niger. The German tactician aims to inject fresh talent while preserving the team’s established core for the double-header in Casablanca, Morocco, on June 6 and 10, respectively.
Among the new faces are Sheffield Wednesday’s Sean Fusire, TelOne’s Tawanda Macheke, and a returning Jonah Fabisch. Also recalled are Belgium-based winger Bill Antonio and Magesi goalkeeper Elvis Chipezeze. Nees will lead the senior team, alongside his full technical staff, as Zimbabwe seeks to improve its Fifa world ranking of 116.
Meanwhile, the Cosafa Cup squad — set to compete in Bloemfontein, South Africa from 4–15 June — will be guided by Under-20 coach Simon Marange, assisted by Simba Bhora’s Joel Luphahla.
Conspicuously absent from both squads are senior players Marvelous Nakamba, Marshal Munetsi, Andy Rinomhota, Jordan Zemura, Divine Lunga, Knowledge Musona, Terrence Dzvukamanja and Tawanda Chirewa — each sidelined for various reasons.
“First of all, we’re participating in two competitions at once: the Cosafa Cup and the Fifa friendlies. That creates, let’s say, logistical and strategic challenges for the football association — we’re basically organising everything simultaneously,” said Nees.
He noted that with the European season concluded, some foreign-based players are dealing with lingering injuries or burnout.
“Some players are completely worn out, physically and mentally. They need rest. On the other hand, the domestic season in Zimbabwe is in full swing, and in South Africa, it has just ended. It’s a really unique situation.
“Marvelous is not in the squad, not because we don’t have a good relationship — we have an excellent one. But look, in Europe, his season ended on May 3. Players at his age, coming off injuries like Andy (Rinomhota), can’t afford three to four weeks off and then jump into national duty. That leads to under-performance, injuries and missing pre-season.
“For example, Terrence (Dzvukamanja) has a crucial game with his club tomorrow. We can’t disrupt that. Same with Divine Lunga — he’s playing in the Club World Cup Champions League. We all operate in the same football ecosystem. It’s a give and take. We must respect the clubs when they release players.”
Knowledge Musona was also excused from national duty due to ongoing contract negotiations following his club’s narrow escape from relegation.
“Marvelous had a calf injury. We agreed it’s best he rests and returns fully fit for pre-season. Jordan Zemura picked up a similar injury after the Nigeria match.
“He sat on the bench, came back firing, probably overdid it. No risks with him either. Marshal Munetsi gave 100 percent all season and needs full recovery.”
Despite his thoughtful squad rotation, Nees found himself on the defensive during his press conference, particularly over the inclusion of Marley Tavaziva — the Brentford U21 goalkeeper, who has rarely featured for the national team. Reporters questioned why Tavaziva continues to receive call-ups while in-form domestic shot-stoppers like Nelson Chadya are overlooked.
Tensions rose when Nees explained that Tavaziva had declined a Cosafa Cup spot due to limited game time during his last outing — a decision that sparked further criticism from the media.
The exchange grew heated, highlighting the high expectations and scrutiny surrounding Nees’ squad selections.
Warriors Squad
Friendlies vs Burkina Faso and Niger
Goalkeepers:
Washington Arubi (Marumo Gallants), Elvis Chipezeze (Magesi), Marley Tavaziva (Brentford)
Defenders:
Teenage Hadebe (Cincinnati), Gerald Takwara (Al Minaa SC), Munashe Garananga (FC Copenhagen), Isheanesu Mauchi (Simba Bhora), Peter Muduhwa (Scottland), Godknows Murwira (Scottland), Emmanuel Jalai (Dynamos)
Midfielders:
Mthokozisi Msebe (Scottland), Khama Billiat (Scotland), Richard Hachiro (Ngezi Platinum), Jonah Fabisch (FC Aue), Donald Mudadi (Simba Bhora), Sean Fusire (Sheffield Wednesday), Daniel Msendami (Marumo Gallants), Bill Antonio (KV Mechelen)
Forwards:
Prince Dube (Young Africans), Tawanda Maswanhise (Motherwell), Walter Musona (Scotland), Tawanda Macheke (TelOne FC), Tino Kadewere (Nantes)
