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Tadious Manyepo
Sports Reporter
GODKNOWS Murwira is hoping to make a fruitful return to the Warriors fold.
He is one of the seven locally-based players named in the national squad to plunge into the 2026 World Cup qualifying double-header against Lesotho and South Africa next week.
The CAPS United skipper has transformed into a huge force since his conversion from a right back into a central defender.
And he has been rewarded with a call-up into Jairos Tapera’s team.
He last featured for the senior national team in a formal match in January 2022, when Zimbabwe beat Guinea 2-1 at the Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon.
Murwira is over the moon after receiving the latest call-up into the Warriors.
“I am very happy with this call-up. You know, as a player, the dream is always to earn this.,” Murwira said.
“You always want to represent the country and this selection has excited me,” said Murwira.
“I last played for the national team, I think last year when the local contingent travelled to Botswana, where we lost on penalties.
“Before that, I had last been part of the national team in January 2022 during the Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon.
“And I am happy to be back in the team again for these World Cup qualifiers.”
Murwira said he owes his magical transformation to the Green Machine gaffer Lloyd Chitembwe.
“Coach Chitembwe (Lloyd) has helped me so much.
“He has given me the added confidence to express myself. At first, I was not sure how I would perform when he moved me from right-back to central defence.
“But Chitembwe kept on encouraging me and I would like to thank him for everything.
“I would also like to thank my CAPS United teammates for helping me improve the way I have done.”
Murwira believes the Warriors have a huge chance to win the two games.
Zimbabwe play Lesotho on June 7 at Orlando Stadium before they face South Africa at Free State Stadium four days later.
They have two points from two games and they are just two points adrift of Group C leaders Rwanda.
South Africa are second with three points, Nigeria, Lesotho, and Zimbabwe are lumped on two while Benin with just a point anchor the Group C standings.
“We stand a very good chance of getting the points in both games if we focus.
“Lesotho is no longer a small team and we should be very careful. They held Nigeria in their match last year and that shows how much they have progressed. South Africa is also a giant. But we should retain maximum concentration and punch harder,” Murwira said.
Online Reporter