Langton Nyakwenda-Zimpapers
AT long last, error-prone ‘keeper Elvis Chipezeze has been DROPPED.
Former captain Knowledge Musona has bounced back while his Scottland teammate Mtokhozisi Msebe has finally been rewarded for what has been an impressive season.
Warriors coach, Ramon Catala,0 has named a 32-man provisional squad for next month’s back-to-back 2027 AFCON qualifiers against Equatorial Guinea.
The provisional squad features 15 locally-based players, with eight coming from Scottland.
League leaders Hardrock have four representatives in Martin Mapisa, Tinotenda Muringai, Washington Navaya and Prince Dube.
However, there is no place for Chipezeze, whose difficult start to the qualifying campaign has raised questions about Zimbabwe’s goalkeeping options.
The Magesi goalkeeper was culpable in the Warriors’ 1-2 home defeat to DRC at the National Sports Stadium. He has conceded twice in the opening half in the 3-2 comeback victory over Sierra Leone in Morocco.
Football analyst, Biggie Mabhidi, believes the time has come for Zimbabwe to settle on a dependable first-choice goalkeeper.
“The squad looks okay but it’s high time we gave a chance to the likes of Nelson Chadya and Future Sibanda. “So far, we don’t have a reliable first choice,” Mabhidi noted.
Chadya has enjoyed an outstanding season for Scottland, keeping 21 clean sheets in the 2026 PSL campaign to set a new league record.
He also went 270 minutes without conceding in the CAF Champions League before Scottland’s 0-3 defeat to Petro Atletico in Luanda last Friday.
Mabhidi also questioned the omission of experienced defenders, including Hardrock’s Gerald Takwara, and arguing that Zimbabwe need greater stability at the back.
“If you analyse our game against DR Congo, when we lost 2-1 at home, our defence was a bit shaky.
“We need experienced defenders.
“I am happy they have included Tinotenda Muringai; he has been doing well.
“The coach should also move across the country and watch all the games.
“Look at a player like Ralph Kawondera. I think he deserves a chance.”
Hardrock striker Dube returns after missing the defeat to DR Congo through injury, while captain Marvelous Nakamba will once again lead the Warriors as they seek to revive their qualifying campaign. The provisional squad includes 14 forwards, among them PSL leading scorer Navaya, Dynamos attacker Leeroy Mavhunga and CAPS United striker Ishmael Wadi.
Former CAPS United defender, Charles Manjera, believes Musona is still needed at the Warriors.
“I liked the inclusion of Knowledge Musona because he can get us the much-needed goals.
“He is getting better with age and is a player who has the character to deliver in high-profile games.”
He has tipped Highlanders midfielder Mongameli Tshuma to shine, drawing comparisons with former Warriors playmaker Ronald “Gidiza” Sibanda.
“Monga reminds me of Gidiza. He also has a bit of Denver Mukamba and Johannes Ngodzo in him.
“In terms of central midfield, the Warriors are okay. What we are lacking is creativity,” Manjera said.
Zimbabwe face Equatorial Guinea in Cameroon on November 12 before hosting the same opponents at the National Sports Stadium four days later.
Warriors provisional squad
Goalkeepers
Nelson Chadya (Scottland), Martin Mapisa (Hardrock), Future Sibanda (ZPC Kariba).
Defenders
Jordan Zemura (Watford), Shane Marodza (Sarajevo), Kelvin Moyo (Scottland), Peter Muduhwa (Scottland), Emmanuel Jalai (Scottland), Sean Fusire (Sheffield Wednesday), Corbin Mthunzi (Ipswich Town), Tinotenda Muringai (Hardrock).
Midfielders
Marvelous Nakamba (Panetolikos), Marshal Munetsi (Wolves), Andy Rinomhota (Reading), Jonah Fabisch (Golden Arrows), Abubakar Moffat (Scottland), Mtokhozisi Msebe (Scottland), Prosper Padera (SK Seinajoki).
Forwards
Knowledge Musona (Scottland), Walter Musona (Scottland), Mongameli Tshuma (Highlanders), Bill Antonio (KV Mechelen), Tawanda Chirewa (Wolves), Tawanda Maswanhise (Motherwell), Tino Kadewere (Aris), Thando Ngwenya (Amazulu), Prince Dube (Hardrock), Washington Navaya (Hardrock), Junior Zindoga (TS Galaxy), Leeroy Mavhunga (Dynamos), Ishmael Wadi (CAPS United), Daniel Musendami (Marumo Gallants).
