Online Reporter
Zimpapers Sports Hub
NEWLY appointed Zimbabwe national football team coach Marian “Mario” Marinica oversaw his first training session with the Warriors in Saudi Arabia yesterday, as preparations intensified for Thursday’s international friendly against Algeria in Jeddah.
The Romanian tactician, who replaced German Michael Nees last week, has been tasked with leading Zimbabwe at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) finals in Morocco next month, with a clear brief to finally take the Warriors beyond the group stages.
Before that challenge, Marinica will use these two international friendlies, against Algeria tomorrow and Qatar on Monday, to assess his squad and refine combinations.
According to the Zimbabwe Football Association (Zifa), the first group of players, mainly locals and those based in South Africa, touched down in Saudi Arabia yesterday afternoon and were joined by Germany-based midfielder, Jonah Fabisch.
The rest of the European contingent arrived in the evening.
“The Warriors have arrived safely in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia ahead of their international friendly against Algeria,” said Zifa in a statement.
“The squad features a mix of locally based and South Africa-based players, with Jonah Fabisch already in camp. The European-based contingent is expected to complete arrivals today.”
Their first training session took place at 4pm, giving Marinica and his technical team their first chance to work with the full squad. “This friendly is an important test in our journey towards Afcon 2025,” Marinica said.
The Warriors’ technical team includes assistant coach Kaitano Tembo, goalkeepers’ coach Pernell McKop, strength and conditioning coach Chikondi Mandalasi, fitness trainer Abraham Mbaiwa and analysts, Ronald Moroka and James Makoni.
The 24-man squad features a blend of experience and youth, with familiar names such as captain Marvelous Nakamba (Luton Town), Jordan Zemura (Udinese), Teenage Hadebe (FC Cincinnati) and Walter Musona (Scottland FC). Rising stars like Tawanda Chirewa (Wolverhampton Wanderers) and Bill Antonio (KV Mechelen) add a youthful edge.
Thursday’s clash against Algeria kicks off at 6:30pm Zimbabwean time at the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium. Zimbabwe will then face Qatar on Monday at the Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium in Doha, as part of the team’s broader preparations for Afcon 2025.
The Warriors are drawn in Group B alongside Egypt, South Africa and Angola, with the tournament set to run from December 21 to January 18.
Qatar, ranked 52nd in the world, are also using the friendly as part of their build-up to the 2025 Fifa Arab Cup and the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. Zimbabwe are ranked 129th globally.
