Online Reporter
Eddie Chikamhi and Innocent Kurira
WARRIORS coach Marian Marinica’s quest to see more of his foreign-based players during the upcoming Mukuru Four Nations Tournament in Botswana suffered a significant setback yesterday following the withdrawal of four key players, including in-form Tawanda Maswanhise, due to injuries.
Maswanhise, who is currently the leading scorer in the Scottish Premiership, announced he was no longer coming for the tournament after suffering a knock at the weekend during Motherwell’s Scottish Premiership match.
According to the Motherwell website, “The forward reported a small issue following Saturday’s 0-0 draw with Hibernian, and the player will remain in Scotland to manage the issue.”
Also withdrawing from the trip to Botswana is Tanzania-based Prince Dube, Thando Ngwenya of AmaZulu in South Africa and former Warriors captain Knowledge Musona, who sat out the entire match as local champions Scottland hammered newcomers FC Hunters 3-0 at Rufaro on Sunday. Their absence has opened the door for fresh talent headlined by exciting Highlanders midfielder Mongameli Tshuma, affectionately known as “Smaller”, who earns his maiden senior national team call-up.
Tshuma is joined by Washington Navaya, Jarrison Selemani and Godknows Murwira, among the replacements.
Zimbabwe will play against regional neighbours Zambia, Malawi and hosts Botswana in a four-day tournament at the Obedi Itani Chilume Stadium in Francistown starting this Saturday.
Marinica would definitely have wanted to use the stage during this FIFA international break to get a better appreciation of all his players, some of whom he only got to work with briefly during the AFCON finals in Morocco last December.
From that tournament, it was evident the Romanian coach did not have a deeper appreciation of the talent at his disposal.
After being left out for the opening two games during that campaign, Maswanhise was one of the players that probably exposed Marinica’s lack of acquaintance with the arsenal at his disposal, with an outstanding performance albeit in a 2-3 defeat to South Africa in the last group match.
For that reason, the current Scottish Premiership top goal scorer was expected to be the first man on the plane to Botswana.
Maswanhise has done well for Motherwell with 16 league goals in 28 appearances.
“Maswanhise was due to travel to for a Four Nations Tournament, however, the forward reported a small issue following Saturday’s 0-0 draw with Hibernian, and the player will remain in Scotland to manage the issue,” said ZIFA in a statement.
However, Warriors coach Marinica believes the tournament provides the perfect platform to test new combinations and inject fresh energy into the squad.
“We want to give new faces opportunities. This type of tournament gives players a chance to shine. We want a blend of youth and enthusiasm,” he said. Despite limited preparation time, with only two training sessions scheduled, the coach remains optimistic about building cohesion within the squad. “We are looking forward to putting the nuts and bolts of a competitive experience and building a successful team for the future. These matches will be extremely competitive, especially with FIFA ranking points at stake.”
Marinica has laid down a bold marker for the future, declaring that Zimbabwe’s road to the 2030 FIFA World Cup begins now, with the upcoming Four Nations Tournament offering the first building block.
The tournament, set for the March FIFA international window, will feature hosts Botswana alongside Zimbabwe, Malawi and Zambia.
The competition will see two semi-finals, followed by a final and a third-place play-off. But beyond the immediate results, Marinica’s focus is firmly on the bigger picture, building a competitive side capable of qualifying for the global show-piece.
“We have the major objective of qualifying for the 2030 World Cup and to achieve that we have to start building now a strong foundation,” said Marinica. “This tournament is important and we are taking it seriously.”
Meanwhile, the Warriors will tomorrow take on Castle Lager Premier Soccer League outfit Highlanders at Barbourfields.
The Warriors will use the match as part of their preparations ahead of their departure for the Mukuru Four Nations Tournament.
It is also a special exhibition match as part of Bosso’s centenary celebrations.
