Marinica turns to experience

Fungai Muderere, Zimpapers Sports Hub

WARRIORS coach Marian Marinica has turned to experience and edge as Zimbabwe prepare for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations finals, appointing veteran goalkeeper Washington Arubi and combative defender Godknows Murwira as the national team’s vice captains for the Morocco showpiece.

Murwira, who plays for Scottland FC, has been named first vice captain, while Arubi of South Africa’s Marumo Gallants will serve as second deputy. The pair will deputise Luton Town midfielder and Warriors skipper Marvelous Nakamba at the tournament.

Murwira welcomed the honour but quickly shifted the focus back to collective responsibility.

“It’s always pleasing to get such recognition. However, it’s all about team work and getting the job done on behalf of the nation,” said Murwira, whose commitment to the Warriors’ cause has never been in doubt.

Beyond his uncompromising defending, Murwira has become a unifying presence in camp.

Known for his jovial character, he often lifts the mood by leading songs, backed by energetic dance moves that have made him a favourite in the dressing room.

The duo replace holding midfielder Marshall Munetsi and defender Teenage Hadebe, who were previously appointed vice captains during Baltemar Brito’s tenure.

Marinica unveiled his squad for the 2025 Afcon finals last Thursday, handing Zimbabwe a daunting group that includes seven‑time champions Egypt, South Africa’s Bafana Bafana and Angola.

The tournament kicks off in Morocco on December 21, with Zimbabwe aiming to defy the odds in one of the toughest pools of the competition.
Warriors squad

Goalkeepers
Washington Arubi (Marumo Gallants), Elvis Chipezeze (Magesi), Martin Mapisa (MWOS FC)

Defenders
Godknows Murwira (Scottland FC), Emmanuel Jalai (Dynamos FC), Sean Fusire (Sheffield Wednesday FC), Munashe Garananga (FC Copenhagen), Gerald Takwara (Al Ittihad Misurata SC Libya), Isheanesu Mauchi (Simba Bhora FC), Brandon Galloway (Plymouth Argyle FC), Teenage Hadebe (FC Cincinnati), Alec Mudimu (Flint Town United), Divine Lunga (Mamelodi Sundowns FC)

Midfielders
Marvelous Nakamba (Luton Town FC), Jonah Fabisch (FC Erzgebirg Aue), Andrew Rinomhota (Reading FC), Prosper Padera (SJK Seinäjoki), Tawanda Chirewa (Wolverhampton Wanderers FC), Knowledge Musona (Scottland FC)

Forwards
Bill Antonio (KV Mechelen FC), Ishmael Wadi (CAPS United FC), Tawanda Maswanhise (Motherwell FC), Daniel Msendami (Marumo Gallants FC), Prince Dube (Young Africans SC), Washington Navaya (TelOne FC), Macauley Bonne (Maldon & Tiptree FC), Junior Zindoga (TS Galaxy FC), Tadiwanashe Chakuchichi (Scottland FC)