Warriors: Is this our golden generation in the making?

 

Ray Bande
Senior Reporter

THE Warriors ascendency of five places up the latest FIFA rankings after playing two matches against Benin and Nigeria in Group C of the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers could be a direct reflection of the diaspora effect that boosted the national team’s fluidity in play.

The national team is inspired by a young generation of footballers whose parents long migrated to developed countries, particularly the UK.

Tawanda Chirewa, Tawanda Muswanhise and some still to represent Zimbabwe, including Leon Chisoma, Teshuan Tarumbidzwa Murisa, Trey Nyoni, Isaac Mabaya, Michael Ndiweni, Farai Katsukunya, Billy Antonio, Shumaira Mheuka, on top of those who already played, could signal the arrival of Zimbabwe’s golden generation of football players that will see the national men’s team evolve into a monster.

Coach, Michael Nees’ team drew 2-2 with Benin, before securing a 1-1 stalemate against Nigeria, following which Zimbabwe earned 10 points, as both opponents were ranked higher before the matches.

 

This points-gain has propelled the Warriors to number 116, their highest position since September 2021.

In Africa, the Warriors rose three places to Number 30.

Morocco remains the highest-ranked team on the continent, while Argentina retains the top spot in the global rankings.

However, Zimbabwe’s recent ascension in the FIFA rankings can be attributed to several factors, each with distinct implications for the country’s football landscape.

Several countries have been home to “golden generations” of footballers, meaning periods where a team was exceptionally talented and successful.

 

These generations have been characterised by a high concentration of star players and often led to significant achievements in major tournaments.

Some examples of countries with golden generations include the Nigerian team, often called the “Super Eagles,” which had a golden generation in the early 1990s and early 2000s, including players like Nwankwo Kanu, Austin ‘Jay Jay’ Okocha, and Celestine Babayaro.

 

They achieved great success, including winning the Olympic Gold Medal in 1996.

Ghana has a history of producing talented players, and its golden generation emerged in the early 2000s, with players like Michael Essien, Stephen Appiah, and Asamoah Gyan.

 

They had a strong showing in the 2006 World Cup and reached the quarterfinals of the 2010 World Cup.

Cote D’Ivoire is known for its golden generation of players in the 2000s, led by Didier Drogba.

 

They had a significant impact in European football and reached the Africa Cup of Nations finals in 2006.

Egypt’s golden generation in the early 2000s and early 2010s, including Mohamed Aboutrika and Essam El Hadary, won three consecutive Africa Cup of Nations titles (2006, 2008, 2010).

Senegal’s golden generation in the early 2000s, featuring El Hadji Diouf, emerged as a powerful force in African football, reached the quarterfinals of the 2002 World Cup.

Beyond the continent, known for its consistently strong national team, Brazil had several periods of dominance, including the 1950s, 1960s, 1990s, and 2000s.

Argentina has also produced numerous talented teams, with golden generations in the 1970s, 1980s, and more recently.

England has seen several golden generations, including the 2000s, known for their individual talent, but ultimately underachieving in major tournaments.

France had golden generations in the late 1990s and early 2000s, and more recently, with a team that reached the finals of the World Cup in 2018.

Germany has also had periods of exceptional football talent, with a golden generation in the early 2000s.

Spain has a strong history of football, and the 2000s saw a golden generation that won the 2010 World Cup and two European championships.

Belgium has recently been considered to have a golden generation, with a team that reached the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup.

Croatia has seen a golden generation in the recent years, particularly with their strong performance in the 2018 World Cup, reaching the finals.

The Netherlands had golden generations in the 1970s and 1990s, known for their attacking style and talented players.

Italy had periods of dominance in the 1990s and early 2000s, with a golden generation that won the 2006 World Cup.

Portugal has seen a golden generation in the 2000s and 2010s, with a team that won the 2016 European Championship.

Veteran coach, Rodwell Dhlakama believes the coming in of foreign-based players must be used to create more opportunities for local based players.

“The arrival of talented players from Europe must help in our player development programmes.

 

The success of Zimbabwean players abroad should be leveraged to create more opportunities for local players, including training programmes and exposure to top-level competitions.

“Also selection of players across the globe, especially from top European leagues, has revitalised Zimbabwean football that was heading to the doldrums,” he said.

On the implications for Zimbabwe’s accession on FIFA rankings, Dhlakama said: “Zimbabwe’s improved ranking has increased the country’s global visibility, potentially attracting more international attention, investment, and partnerships.

“This is also a product of current ZIFA president, Nqobile Magwizi, who has gone off his way to attract partnerships with countries like Morocco, and sending the coach for scouting talent in European countries, are some of the major highlights that will increase brand visibility and competitiveness.

“The Warriors’ improved performance has raised the level of competitiveness in Zimbabwean football, pushing players and teams to strive for excellence. The rise in FIFA rankings may lead to increased interest and investment in the domestic league, potentially improving its quality and competitiveness.

“The coming on board of teams like Scotland, MWOS, Simba Bhora, Ngezi Platinum, FC Platinum and GreenFuel has raised the bar scaled by traditional giants like CAPS united, Dynamos, Highlanders, which are purely on stagnation has rejuvenated the game.

“The Warriors’ enhanced performance in recent international matches, including competitive wins and draws against stronger opponents, has contributed significantly to their ranking surge. Zimbabwe’s increased participation in competitive matches, such as the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers and FIFA World Cup qualifiers, has provided valuable experience and exposure for the players.”

He said coaching and technical development must now be prioritised.

“The management of Zimbabwean football should prioritise coaching and technical development, ensuring that coaches are equipped to prepare players for international competitions. Infrastructure development is also a factor. Continued investment in football infrastructure, including stadiums and training facilities, is essential to support the growth of the sport.

“The rehabilitation of the National Sports Stadium, Sakubva Stadium, Rufaro Stadium, Ascot Stadium, Mandava Stadium, Bata Stadium, Gibbo Stadium and the building of new stadium like Chahwanda Stadium and Ngoni Stadium in Norton has proved to be a milestone towards the development of the game in Zimbabwe. Even GreenFuel Arena in marginalised area of Chipinge, is an epitome for a football success in the country,” he said.