Online Reporter
Tadious Manyepo, Zimpapers Sports Hub
THE Warriors’ preparations for the Africa Cup of Nations finals shifted into gear yesterday as the locally-based players left Harare for Saudi Arabia to join their foreign-based teammates.
Zimbabwe will face Algeria on Thursday and Qatar three days later in Jeddah, matches that are expected to give new coach Marian “Mario” Marinica his first real look at the squad he hopes to lead beyond the Afcon group stage for the first time in history.
Marinica, the Romania-born British coach appointed last week to replace Michael Nees, will use the two friendlies to assess combinations and depth before naming his final squad for the continental showpiece in Morocco next month.
The home-based contingent left yesterday, while the foreign brigade departed from their respective bases, with the full squad expected to assemble by tomorrow.
However, Marinica has had to make changes, dropping Scottland duo, Tymon Machope and Knowledge Musona, due to injuries. Tanzania-based striker Prince Dube has been called up as a replacement and will be eager to impress.
All eyes, though, will be on Premier Soccer League leading scorer Washington Navaya of TelOne, who is set to make his Warriors debut in the two fixtures.
Zifa president Nqobile Magwizi said the trip to Saudi Arabia was crucial for the team’s conditioning and the new coach’s tactical evaluation.
“Obviously, there was this issue of feeling the weather conditions they will likely play under in Morocco,” said Magwizi. “Playing against Algeria will give the team a glimpse as well of what one of their opponents in the Afcon group, Egypt, plays like. Qatar is also a good team as they are ranked above us. The coach will get to assess the squad as well and make requisite adjustments.”
Meanwhile, Zifa has announced the formation of a three-member Coaches Committee to strengthen technical collaboration between Premier Soccer League coaches and the national team.
In a statement, Zifa said: “The Zimbabwe Football Association (Zifa) proudly announces the establishment of a Coaches Committee to support the Zimbabwe Men’s National Football Team (Warriors) in the identification and development of local talent.
“Serving as a vital conduit between Premier Soccer League (PSL) coaches and the senior men’s national team coach, the committee was elected by PSL coaches through an internal vote, a process that reflects their collective commitment to shaping the technical direction of the national game.
“The initiative was led by Coach Marian Marinica, whose leadership intends to foster greater collaboration and unity within the domestic coaching fraternity.
“The election resulted in the appointment of Joel Luphahla, Tonderai Ndiraya, and Joey Antipas as the three representatives who will serve on the committee.
“Zifa extends its best wishes to the committee as it begins its important work and expresses sincere appreciation to Coach Mario for his openness, professionalism, and collaborative spirit.
“This initiative underscores Zifa’s commitment to inclusive technical development and stronger cooperation between the Premier Soccer League and national football structures, as preparations intensify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.”
Zimbabwe will face Egypt, South Africa, and Angola in Group B at the Afcon finals, which run from December 21 to January 18 in Morocco.
