Online Reporter
Eddie Chikamhi, Zimpapers Sports Hub
HIGHLANDERS’ defender Andrew Mbeba, is set to wear the captain’s armband and lead a largely youthful Warriors squad at this year’s Cosafa Cup, in what Zimbabwean football authorities are describing as a bold shift towards long-term development.
The regional tournament kicks off next Wednesday in Bloemfontein, South Africa, and Mbeba — one of the few seasoned players selected by national team coach Michael Nees — will be tasked with guiding a side brimming with rising talent and fresh legs.
As reported last week by Zimpapers Sports Hub, Nees has confirmed this Cosafa campaign is more than just a competition; it marks the beginning of Zimbabwe’s preparations for the 2028 Olympic Games, which will feature exclusively U-23 teams.
“We’re not just chasing results. This is a long game,” said Nees.
Most top performers in the local Premier Soccer League have been left out, making way for the core group that impressed in last year’s Cosafa Under-20 tournament, where Zimbabwe reached the semi-finals.
Nees explained that selection was largely limited to players born in 2005 or later, with only a few older players included for experience and leadership. The decision, he said, was a strategic one.
Taking charge of the team will be national Under-20 coach Simon Marange, assisted by Joel Luphahla, as Nees and his assistant Takesure Chiragwi travel with the senior squad to Morocco for friendlies against Burkina Faso and Niger.
“As you know, the Cosafa Cup serves two purposes,” Nees said. “One, to perform as well as possible. Two, to provide a platform for new players, giving them match opportunities and feeding talent into the national team system.”
While Zimbabwe is historically one of the tournament’s heavyweights, boasting six titles, recent performances have been underwhelming.
“In the last eight years, the best result was just a semi-final appearance,” Nees pointed out. “So clearly, the development goal hasn’t been fully met either. That’s why we’re shifting gears — to build a squad eligible for the 2028 Olympics. If you want to be a serious contender, you start now. We can’t just keep leaning on veterans. We’re not living in a gerontocracy. Younger players deserve their moment too.”
Nees estimates this could be the youngest squad in the tournament, with many players born in 2005–2006. Even the “older” selections, he said, are still young enough to break into the senior national team soon.
The coach’s selection has sparked criticism, particularly over the omission of in-form domestic players such as Washington Navaya, Billy Veremu, Kundai Benyu (CAPS United), and Highlanders’ Mason Mushore.
“These players are not out forever, absolutely not. If we had decided to go with a standard senior team, those guys would have been strong contenders. But we agreed internally to focus on development this time.”
“Some players hit top form, then dip. It’s not just about scoring goals — it’s about style, contribution and consistency. But they’ve been observed. The door isn’t closed,” Nees clarified.
Despite the controversy, some exciting names have made the cut. Goalkeeper, Martin Mapisa headlines a group that includes prospects such as Tinotenda Meke (Simba Bhora), Thando Ngwenya (FC Platinum) and Denzel Mapuwa (GreenFuel). Zifa has also cast its net wider to include foreign-based talents such as Kurainashe Musanhi (Crystal Palace), Prosper Padera (SJK Seinajoki, Finland), Menzi Mazwi (Birmingham City), Kennedy Mupomba (Chelmsford FC) and Tanaka Cherera (Bury FC).
The squad is expected to go into camp immediately after this weekend’s league fixtures.
“Actually, you should praise us for this courage. Most teams are already deep into their Cosafa preparations. Our season is still running. This team will be assembled Sunday or Monday, then play just three days later against opponents who’ve had a week and a half of prep.
“But still, you should be excited. This is a brave move by the association. And let’s not forget, this same Under-20 group almost qualified for the Afcon last year — they were eliminated on penalties,” said Nees.
Nees emphasised that players in their mid-20s must now prove themselves with consistent, exceptional performances in domestic leagues.
“You can’t develop a player at 28 and expect him to peak at 35. That’s just not how it works.”
The tournament runs from June 4–15, 2025, with Zimbabwe placed in Group A alongside hosts South Africa, Mauritius and Mozambique. The Warriors begin their campaign against Mauritius next Wednesday.
Zimbabwe Cosafa Squad
GOALKEEPERS: Martin Mapisa (MWOS), Joseph Kaunda (Manica Diamonds), Tatenda Chikohwero (Ngezi Platinum)
DEFENDERS: Tashinga Mashonganyika (Ngezi Platinum), Allan Chapinduka (TelOne FC), Simbarashe Takaedza (TelOne FC), Andrew Mbeba (Highlanders), Arter Kaseke (Ngezi Platinum), Kurainashe Musanhi (Crystal Palace)
MIDFIELDERS: Prosper Padera (SJK Seinajoki, Finland), Menzi Mazwi (Birmingham City, England), Vusa Ngwenya (Dynamos), Junior Makunike (Simba Bhora), Nisbert Muzenda (Ngezi Platinum), Prince Ndlovu (Highlanders), Kennedy Mupomba (Chelmsford FC, England), Calvin Chigara (TelOne FC)
FORWARDS: Tinotenda Meke (Simba Bhora), Mafios Chiweta (Highlanders), Tanaka Munemo (Ngezi Platinum), Thando Ngwenya (FC Platinum), Tanaka Cherera (Bury FC, England), Denzel Mapuwa (GreenFuel)
