Online Reporter
Zimpapers Sports Hub
WARRIORS coach Michael Nees was in high spirits yesterday as Zimbabwe’s senior national team intensified preparations for the crucial 2026 Fifa World Cup qualifiers against Benin and Rwanda.
The Warriors will face Benin at the Alassane Ouattara Ebimpe Olympic Stadium in Abidjan on Friday. Benin, like Zimbabwe, have been forced to play their home matches away from home after failing to secure an approved stadium.
The team arrived in Cote d’Ivoire in batches on Monday, with Jordan Zemura completing the squad late last night after turning out for Udinese in their 2-1 Serie A win over Inter Milan at the San Siro on Sunday.
Nees expressed satisfaction with both the training environment and the team’s early organisation.
“Everything is good. I think we have nothing to complain. I think we made the right choice of where we are staying. It’s not loud, it’s not crowded. It’s a good quality hotel,” said the German.
He was equally pleased with the quick response from his players.
“To me, that is very good. It helps us really to settle in. You are in a new environment and you want to check everything. You don’t want the time pressure, that everything has to be made straight and go smooth and this give us an additional day. I am very happy about that,” Nees said.
The camp, however, was not without drama. Sheffield Wednesday midfielder Sean Fusire, who impressed in recent friendlies against Burkina Faso and Niger, was forced to withdraw after a dispute over flight logistics. The 20-year-old apologised but has since been replaced by Reading defender Tivonge Rushesha, who has already linked up with the squad.
There was another late change after Germany-based midfielder Jonah Fabisch pulled out injured. His place went to Scottland striker Tymon Machope, who has been in fine form domestically.
Nees admitted he had erred in initially overlooking Machope, whose brace against Dynamos at Rufaro reminded the coach of his qualities.
“It was a tight call between Thando and Machope,” said Nees. “Although Machope had a very good run, I opted for Thando and he (Machope) made a statement and that’s the reaction that you want from a player as a coach. He went into the game, he scored two goals. He showed the coach ‘hey coach you made a mistake take me.’ That’s a fact and I didn’t hesitate.”
With attacking options that include Terrence Dzvukamanja, Bill Antonio, Tawanda Maswanhise, Tino Kadewere and Warriors freshman Thando Ngwenya, Nees now finds himself spoilt for choice in the final third.
Meanwhile, Benin coach Gernot Rohr began his side’s camp a day earlier, with training sessions starting on Monday at Cocody Classic High School in Abidjan. By yesterday evening, Rohr had a full squad at his disposal.
The two sides played to a 2-2 draw in the reverse fixture, but Benin hold the upper hand in the group standings. They sit third in Group C with eight points from six games, while Zimbabwe remain winless at the bottom with four. South Africa top the group on 13 points ahead of their clash with Lesotho on Friday.
Zimbabwe Squad
Goalkeepers: Washington Arubi (Marumo Gallants), Elvis Chipezeze (Magesi), Martin Mapisa (MWOS)
Defenders: Gerald Takwara (Al Minaa), Munashe Garananga (FC Copenhagen), Teenage Hadebe (FC Cincinnati), Brandon Galloway (Plymouth Argyle), Godknows Murwira (Scottland), Emmanuel Jalai (Dynamos), Jordan Zemura (Udinese), Divine Lunga (Mamelodi Sundowns), Tivonge Rushesha (Reading)
Midfielders: Marshall Munetsi (Wolves), Marvelous Nakamba (Luton Town), Prosper Padera (SJK), Walter Musona (Scottland), Tawanda Chirewa (Wolves), Knowledge Musona (Scottland)
Forwards: Terrence Dzvukamanja (Scottland), Bill Antonio (KV Mechelen), Tawanda Maswanhise (Motherwell), Tino Kadewere (Aris Saloniki), Thando Ngwenya (AmaZulu), Tymon Machope (Scottland)
Benin Squad:
Goalkeepers: Marcel Dandjinou, Saturnin Allagbe Kassifa, Serge Obassa
Defenders: Cedric Hountondji, David Kiki, Rachid Moumini, Tamimou Ouorou, Yohan Roche, Mohamed Tijani, Olivier Verdon
Midfielders: Matteo Ahlinvi, Mariano Ahouangbo, Rodolfo Aloko, Samadou Attidjikou, Sessi d’Almeida, Dodo Dokou, Imourane Hassane, Rodrigue Kossi
Forwards: Jodel Dossou, Candas Fiogbe, Andreas Hountondji, Steve Mounie, Razack Rachidou, Aiyegun Tosin
