Mapeza bounces back . . . 24-man Warriors squad released

THE Zifa Normalisation Committee has put an end to speculation over their state of preparedness for the Four-Nations tournament in Malawi ,after they appointed Norman Mapeza as the Warriors head coach on an interim basis.

Soon after the announcement of Mapeza as interim coach, a squad of 24 players dominated by European-based players was also made public.

The Warriors are set to feature in the four-team tournament, which will have Kenya, Malawi and Zambia taking part.

This tournament presents a valuable opportunity for our national teams to face quality opposition in preparation for the upcoming 2026 Fifa World Cup and 2025 Afcon qualifying campaigns.

Additionally, a youth tournament for our Under-20 national teams will take place during the same period.

By bringing together the best young players from the region, these Under-20 tournaments will aid in developing and exposing elite youth talent while preparing teams for the upcoming 2024 Afcon qualifiers later this year.

Mapeza’s appointment has been hailed by football legend Godfrey Paradza.

“Mapeza has proven himself over the years. It is not a surprise that they have chosen him for this job. I think he is one of the best coaches the country has produced over the last few years. I believe the fact that they have placed an interim coach is a sign they are working in the background to appoint a substantive coach,” said Paradza.

Football fan Moreblessing Mangezi concurred with Paradza.

Mapeza is the head coach of Premier League side FC Platinum, with whom he has won three league titles. He is also a former national team captain and has had several stints as head coach of the men’s senior national team.

Mapeza will be assisted by Ngezi Platinum Stars head coach, Takesure Chiragwi

In another appointment made by Zifa, Simon Marange is now head coach of the Under-20 men’s national team.

“Simon Marange currently serves as the Orlando Pirates reserve team coach. He was promoted from the Under-21s of Orlando Pirates whom he coached from 2020-2023. Between 2018-2020, Marange was the Under-17 coach of Orlando Pirates, winning the Future Champions Trophy, beating Osasuna, Club Brugge and Spartak Moscow on their way to the final, in a tournament boasting the likes of FC Barcelona and Atlético Madrid as former winners.

“He brings to Zimbabwe football, his strength and experience in working with elite youth players in their professional development phase, bridging the last step into professional football,” said Zifa.

Marange will be assisted by former Aces Academy head coach, Backlyfield Chivenga.

Among those who have made the squad, announced by Mapeza are Sheffield Wednesday’s Joey Phuthi and Huddersfield Town’s Shane Maroodza, who received their first call-ups.

English League One club Cambridge United striker Macauley Bonne has made his return to the Warriors squad.

There was room for on-fire Daniel Msendami, a former Highlanders star now playing for Botswana champions Jwaneng Galaxy.

Warriors Squad

Goalkeepers

Martin Mapisa, Donovan Bernard, Marley Tavaziva

Defenders

Shane Maroodza, Divine Lunga, Gerald Takwara, Kevin Moyo, Teenage Hadebe, Peter Muduhwa, Munashe Garananga, Emmanuel Jalai, Jordan Zemura, Joey Phuthi

Midfielders

Marshall Munetsi, Junior Makunike, Andy Rinomhota, Tivonge Rushesha, Tawanda Chirewa, Walter Musona

Strikers

Tinotenda Kadewere, Daniel Msendami, Tawanda Maswanhise, Macauley Bonne