Online Reporter
Innocent Kurira, Zimpapers Sports Hub
THE first wave of Zimbabwe’s provisional squad stepped into camp yesterday, a quiet start to the long road they hope will end far from the heartbreak that has shadowed recent Afcon campaigns. Training begins this afternoon and the early arrivals give the technical team a rare window to shape the group before the final selection.
Zifa confirmed the start of preparations in a statement.
“The Zimbabwe Football Association (Zifa) wishes to inform all stakeholders that the Zimbabwe Warriors’ locally-based contingent is officially reporting for camp in Harare today as part of the nation’s structured preparations for the upcoming Afcon tournament to be held in Morocco.”
The association said this phase gives the coaches an early look at the group.
“This preliminary phase affords the selected players one to five days to demonstrate their readiness, sharpness, and tactical suitability, as head coach Marian Mario Marinica and his technical staff conduct rigorous assessments in anticipation of the final squad consolidation for Afcon.”
Training will take place behind closed doors.
“Formal training will commence tomorrow afternoon (today), with the confirmed venue to be announced in due course. In alignment with elite performance protocols and the technical team’s preparation demands at this stage, the session will be held strictly behind closed doors, with no access granted to the public or the media.”
Zifa said the setup is designed to keep attention where it belongs.
“This controlled environment is essential to safeguard tactical rehearsals, maintain high levels of concentration, and allow the technical staff to prepare the team with optimal confidentiality ahead of the continental showpiece. Zifa will issue timely and verified updates through its official platforms.”
For head coach Marian Mario Marinica, who has had limited time with his squad after friendly matches against Algeria and Qatar, this camp offers a rare chance to drill combinations.
Zimbabwe heads into a demanding Group B alongside Egypt, Angola and South Africa. The team’s struggle to move beyond the group stage in the last five editions still weighs heavily and this camp marks the start of another attempt to break that cycle.
Warriors’ provisional squad
Washington Arubi, Martin Mapisa, Elvis Chipezeze, Godknows Murwira, Emmanuel Jalai, Isheanesu Anselmo Mauchi, John Gerald Tungamirai Takwara, Munashe Peter Garananga, Teenage Lingani Hadebe, Brendan Joel Zibusiso Galloway, Jordan Bhekithemba Zemura, Jonah Reinhard Fabisch, Thandolwenkosi Methuseli Ngwenya, Daniel Msendami, Bill Leeroy Antonio, Tawanda Jethro Maswanhise, Walter Tatenda Musona, Tymon Machope, Tawanda Blessing Chirewa, Marshall Nyasha Munetsi, Marvelous Nakamba, Prince Mpumelelo Dube, Divine Xolile Lunga, Prosper Padera, Sean Sheunesu Fusire, Andrew Farai Rinomhota, Terrence Dzvukamanja, Washington Gift Navaya, Bonne Macauley, Nelson Tapiwa Chadya, Donovan Fungai Benard, Kevin Njabulo Moyo, Peter Muduhwa, Andrew Kabila Mbeba, Albert Manenji, Xolani Ndlovu, Abubakar Moffat, Junior Makunike, Kingsley Mureremba, Joseph Tulani, Mthokozisi Msebe, Nigel Elfas Matinha, Ishmael Wadi, Emmanuel Tafadzwa Ziocha, Billy Vheremu, Obriel Chirinda, Junior Zindoga, Alec Mudimu, Tadiwa Joshua Chakuchichi, Webster Tanaka Tafa, Knowledge Musona, Ishmael Nyanhi, Wilfred Madzungu, Junior Selemani, Genius Hute.
