Online Reporter
Innocent Kurira, Zimpapers Sports Hub
WARRIORS captain Marvelous Nakamba believes Zimbabwe’s 2-1 win over Qatar has restored trust, calm and confidence in a squad that spent the past few weeks battling rumours of division in camp. He called it a confidence and renewed zeal moment, a timely lift before next month’s Africa Cup of Nations.
The build-up to Monday’s friendly had been clouded by talk of tension between head coach Marian ‘Mario’ Marinica and some senior players, with reports pointing to disagreements over his approach and comments.
Team insiders said a string of one on one conversations between the coach and his players late last week helped settle things. By match day, the shift was obvious. The dressing room was loud again, players huddled together before kick off, and the team’s pressing had real purpose. After the win, they joined Zimbabwean fans in the stands as if a weight had been lifted. A team that had gone 13 months without a victory suddenly looked alive.
Zimbabwe finally snapped that drought on Tuesday, beating 2026 World Cup bound Qatar 2-1 at the Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium. Mohamed Khaled struck early for the hosts, but Munashe Garananga levelled before the interval.
Substitute Bill Antonio then finished the job with a calm strike in the second half.
It was only Marinica’s second match since taking over from Michael Nees, yet the Warriors already showed clearer structure than in the 3-1 loss to Algeria in Saudi Arabia. That defeat had effort but little cohesion. Monday’s response suggested a side starting to understand each other again.
Marinica, who led Malawi to the Afcon last 16 in 2021, appears to have steadied things just in time. The Qatar clash was Zimbabwe’s final tune-up before the finals in Morocco, and for the first time in months, the Warriors looked like a group ready to push for their first-ever knockout stage place.
Nakamba, a key figure in keeping the squad aligned, thanked fans and officials for sticking with the team through the noise.
“A big thank you to all Zimbabweans who were rallying behind us back from home, all over the world and those in Qatar, Saudi Arabia who came out in numbers to support us during the international friendly matches. Without you, we feel incomplete,” he said.
He also saluted football authorities and political leaders who helped with preparations.
“Thank you to the Zifa leadership, led by the Zifa president Nqobile Magwizi for organising such kind of international friendlies matches,” said Nakamba, noting that Zimbabwe, ranked 129th, had gone toe to toe with a side sitting 59th.
He added, “Thank you to the Minister of Tourism, Honourable Barbara Rwodzi, who took time to visit the team in camp and to watch us play against Algeria in Saudi Arabia on Thursday, even though we disappointingly lost that match 3-1.
“Lastly, I want to thank the corporate world and all football stakeholders, we dearly need your support in everything we do, kindly chip in, help and support us.
“The victory against Qatar brings confidence and renewed zeal within the squad, especially with just a few weeks left before the prestigious AFCON tournament.
“As players, we always play with our hearts out, I believe with your support and if we all pull in one direction, we will get it right. This is the moment we need your support the most. Thank you, Zimbabweans.”
