admin
Eddie Chikamhi
Zimpapers Sports Hub
ZIMBABWE still have a long way to go in improving their FIFA/Coca-Cola Men’s World Ranking despite moving seven places up the ladder in the latest statistics.
The Warriors made positive strides after landing in 117th place in the world and 31st in Africa, according to the FIFA rankings released yesterday.
This is Zimbabwe’s best position in the last four years characterised by turbulence on and off the pitch. But their recent campaign in the Africa Cup of Nations 2025 qualifiers, in which they are unbeaten in four games, has given the Warriors renewed hope.
Zimbabwe beat Namibia in back-to-back matches in the period under review. They had also moved five places up last month following draws with highly ranked Cameroon and Kenya, which means they have now moved a collective 12 places up since German coach Michael Nees took over.
However, ZIFA Technical Director Jethro Hunidzarira yesterday told Zimpapers Sports Hub that it will take a lot of effort and resources to get Zimbabwe back in the top 100, let alone match their best ranking of number 40 which they achieved in April 1995.
Hunidzarira believes the upward movement will help restore trust and dignity to the Warriors.
“We are still a long way to go, but this means a lot,” he said.
“We have to reclaim our place and we can only do this by performing consistently. Winning games and getting points in international competitions will elevate our ranking.”
Zimbabwe’s ranking suffered a huge dent in the late 2000s when it tumbled out of the top 100 for the first time. They haven’t been able to break the barrier since 2014.
But the Warriors were rewarded this month after beating Namibia 1-0 and 3-1 in the 2025 AFCON qualifiers, both matches played at Orlando Stadium in South Africa.
The wins earned them a cumulative 27.49 percentage points.
The success also consolidated their place in Group J as they aim to qualify for the continental football jamboree to be held in Morocco next year as one of the top two teams in the pool.
Group leaders Cameroon remains the top-ranked side in Group J following the back-to-back wins over Kenya. They moved four places up the global charts to 49th and eighth in Africa. Kenya dropped four places to 106th and Namibia lost eight places to 113th following the defeats to Zimbabwe.
On number 117, Zimbabwe are still the least-ranked side in the group. It is disappointing they are still behind countries like Palestine (100) who are currently torn in war, Comoros (108), Sudan (110), Namibia (113), who they beat in successive matches recently, and war-ravaged Lebanon.
However, Hunidzarira said the progress Zimbabwe was making was encouraging as it comes with far-reaching benefits.
“There are so many advantages that come with high rankings. Apart from boosting the players’ morale, it also helps them get better ratings on the international scene.
“So, we need to make sure we continue working our way upwards. We need to make sure that we have enough time for preparations and enough resources to motivate our boys so that they will be able to deliver.
“When we get higher rankings, we get seeded for international tournaments. It’s also good for our image as a footballing nation because even some of those highly ranked teams will likely want to engage us in friendly games,” said Hunidzarira.
Morocco remained the number one nation in Africa, followed by Senegal, Egypt, Nigeria, and Algeria in the top five.
Argentina are still the top-ranked nation in the global charts, but their lead over second-placed France and Spain (third) has been cut. England (4th), Brazil (5th), and Belgium (6th) have all held on to their positions. Portugal (7th, up one place) and Italy (9th, up one place) are the only climbers within the top 10, which is completed by the Netherlands and Colombia, with Germany (11th, up two places) now knocking on the door. The next FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking will be published after the next FIFA international break, on November 28. Zimbabwe will play Kenya and then Cameroon next month in the remainder of the Group J 2025 AFCON qualifiers.
Meanwhile, a group of locally based Warriors will leave for Botswana today where they will host Eswatini for the CHAN qualifier first round, first leg tie at the Obed Itani Chilume Stadium in Francistown on Sunday.
Online Reporter