Online Reporter
Tadious Manyepo-Zimpapers Sports Hub
THE local band of Warriors left the country yesterday for Saudi Arabia where they will link up with their foreign-based colleagues ahead of their friendly games against Algeria and Qatar.
Zimbabwe face Algeria on Thursday before they play Qatar three days later in Jeddah.
This is part of the Warriors’ preparations for the Africa Cup of Nations finals coming this December in Morocco.
The two international friendlies will also give new coach Marian “Mario” Marinica a chance to assess his arsenal as he bids to take Zimbabwe to the second round at AFCON for the first time ever.
The Romania-born British coach was appointed last week to replace Michael Nees who was fired a fortnight ago.
And the local players left yesterday while the foreign brigade simultaneously took off from their respective locations with the full squad expected to be together by tomorrow.
But Marinica was forced to drop the Scottland pair of Tymon Machope and Knowledge Musona, who are nursing injuries.
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Tanzania-based Prince Dube has been roped into the squad and he knows he has to perform to stand any chance of making the final squad for the AFCON.
But all eyes will be on PSL leading scorer Washington Navaya of TelOne who will be making his Warriors bow in these matches.
ZIFA president Nqobile Magwizi said Zimbabwe had to participate in these friendly games to ensure that the squad maintains its shape and Marinica gets time to see where the team stands.
“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 expressed satisfaction at the appointment of a three-member technical committee to review and give feedback on the Warriors’ performances.
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 Marinaca, 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.
“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.
