Prospering Prosper!

Ray Bande
Senior Reporter
FOR lack of prophetic powers, what Post Sport cannot tell is whether young Prosper Padera will be in the starting line-up or on the bench when the Warriors rekindle their bid for a maiden global football
showpiece appearance.
But, what is in black and white is that in just three years – the Manicaland Juniors of Excellence (MAJESA) midfield magician – rose from playing in the Marvelous Nakamba Juniors Tournament to playing alongside
Nakamba in national team colours after receiving a call-up from Warriors coach, Michael Nees ahead of the World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Benin.
Zimbabwe face Benin away in Cote d’Ivoire today
(Friday), before hosting Rwanda at Orlando Stadium in South Africa on Monday.
Yes, for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification – CAF
Group C – winless Warriors, holed at the basement of the table, have a very slim chance of qualifying.
The group has Nigeria, South Africa, Benin, Zimbabwe,
Rwanda and Lesotho.
The group winner will directly qualify for the World Cup, and the runner-up could potentially compete in the second round to advance to the inter-confederation play-offs
This is a story for another day!
Ahead of the two encounters, and with the Africa Cup of Nations on the horizon, coach, Nees, has decided to cast his net wider to accommodate the talented former MAJESA player.
The German coach has called in the 19-year-old defensive midfielder, who plays for SJK Seinäjo in the Finnish Veikkausliiga.
Padera had a successful audition at the COSAFA senior men championship earlier this year, and has been rewarded with a senior team call-up.
Padera, who was adopted by MAJESA co-directors, Charles and Nomsa Chave, following the demise of both his parents, is part of the strong 24-men Warriors squad that includes the Luton Town player, Nakamba and Mutare-born veteran goalie, Washington Arubi, among others.
Winger, Bill Antonio, who has recovered from a long-term injury, has been given a chance to don the senior national team jersey. The 22-year-old was part of the Warriors squad that played friendly matches in June, although he did not get much game time.
Forward, Thandolwenkosi Ngwenya, who recently signed for AmaZulu, in South Africa, has earned his place after a successful audition at the COSAFA tournament in June.
The 22-year-old striker scored his first goal for his new club last Wednesday after a few good seasons with FC Platinum.
The much-loved Tawanda Chirewa, and his name sake, Tawanda Maswanhise – have retained their places in the squad after impressing during the campaign.
Apart from the youngsters, the German coach has retained experienced campaigners in Arubi, Elvis Chipezeze and Martin Mapisa.
In defence, Gerald Takwara, Munashe Garananga, Teenage Hadebe and Brandon Galloway will be competing for places, while Devine Lunga, Jordan Zemura and Emmanuel Jalai are expected to vie for positions on the flanks.
In midfield, captain, Nakamba, is available alongsidehis deputy, Marshall Munetsi and former captain, Knowledge Musona.
Upfront, Walter Musona, Terence Dzvukamanja and Tino Kadewere are expected to provide the goals.
Forward, Khama Billiat and goalkeeper, Marley Tavaziva,have been left out due to fitness issues, while Andy Rinomhota is club hunting.
Local stars, Abubakar Moffat of MWOS, Emmanuel Ziocha, of Simba Bhora and Mason Mushore, of Highlanders can consider themselves unlucky not to have been picked up, while inform striker, Tymon Machope, was a late addition to the squad.