Warriors coach Michael Nees has explained that his decision to select six players from Scottland FC for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers against Benin and Nigeria is based on their superior fitness levels following a strong pre-season.
The six players—Khama Billiat, Mthokozisi Msebe, Peter Muduhwa, Godknows Murwira, Tymon Machope, and Walter Musona—were chosen for their readiness and physical condition, which Nees believes gives them an edge over other players at this stage of the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League League. Said Nees:
<blockquote>
Scottland was in Zambia for three weeks. Simba Bhora in South Africa. Both had maybe the financial muscles to do that. But you can see that they were very good in pre-season.
</blockquote>
Other locally-based players included in the squad are Isheanesu Mauchi from Simba Bhora, MWOS goalkeeper Martin Mapisa, and Dynamos captain Emmanuel Jalai.
Zimbabwe will face Benin on 20 March at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban, before travelling to Nigeria to play against the Super Eagles at Godswill Akpabio Stadium on 25 March.
Rwanda currently leads Group C with 7 points, while South Africa and Benin have also earned 7 points after Matchday 4. Lesotho follows with 5 points, Nigeria has 3 points, and Zimbabwe sits at the bottom with 2 points.

Pindula News

Coach Michael Nees chose six Scottland FC players for the World Cup qualifiers because they are very fit and ready to play. The players had a good pre-season. Other local players were also picked for the squad. Zimbabwe will play against Benin and Nigeria in March. The team is at the bottom of their group with 2 points. Rwanda is leading the group. Coach Nees thinks the Scottland players will give Zimbabwe an edge in the upcoming matches.

Nees Explains Why He Selected Six Scottland Players For World Cup Qualifiers

Former Warriors captain Knowledge Musona has come out of international retirement and has been named in the squad for Zimbabwe’s upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Benin and Nigeria.
At 34 years old, Musona’s first stint with the national team spanned 12 years, during which he earned 54 caps and scored 24 goals.
Currently playing for Al Okhdood in the Saudi Pro League, Musona’s return to the national team adds a wealth of experience to the squad. 
He joins Khama Billiat and Washington Arubi as part of a group of seasoned players who have made a comeback since Michael Nees took over as head coach last year.
Below is the squad for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers in Group C against Benin and Nigeria:
GOALKEEPERS:
Washington Arubi (Marumo Gallants), Marley Tavaziva (Brentford), Martin Mapisa (MWOS FC)
DEFENDERS:
Jordan Zemura (Udinese), Divine Lunga (Sundowns), Gerald Takwara (Al Minaa SC), Munashe Garananga (FC Copenhagen), Isheanesu Mauchi (Simba Bhora), Peter Muduhwa (Scottland), Godknows Murwira (Scottland), Emmanuel Jalai (Dynamos)
MIDFIELDERS:
Marshall Munetsi (Wolves), Andy Rinomhota (Cardiff City), Marvelous Nakamba (Luton Town), Mthokozisi Msebe (Scottland), Khama Billiat (Scottland), Knowledge Musona (Al-Okhdood), Tawanda Chirewa (Huddersfield Town)
FORWARDS:
Prince Dube (Young Africans), Tawanda Maswanhise (Motherwell), Terrence Dzvukamanja (Supersport United), Tymon Machope (Scottland), Walter Musona (Scottland).

Former Zimbabwean soccer player Knowledge Musona is coming back to play for the national team in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. He has a lot of experience and has scored many goals for the team before. Musona will join other experienced players in the team. The team will play against Benin and Nigeria. The squad also includes players like Khama Billiat and Washington Arubi. Musona currently plays for Al Okhdood in Saudi Arabia. The squad has goalkeepers, defenders, midfielders, and forwards ready for the games.

Knowledge Musona Returns To Warriors For 2026 World Cup Qualifiers

Warriors coach Michael Nees believes Nigeria’s Super Eagles can be beaten ahead of their 2026 World Cup qualifier later this month in Uyo.
The Warriors, who are currently bottom in Group C, will play against the Super Eagles on March 25 in Uyo as the World Cup qualification continues.
Nees knows the Warriors have a tough task ahead to get back into the race but insists it is still possible. He said:
<blockquote>
Like us, Nigeria have their back against the wall; they are like wounded lions who want to turn the page (after a poor start to the qualifiers). It will be an exciting game, and Nigeria are beatable in Uyo.
</blockquote>
When the two teams met in November 2023, they played to a 1-1 draw in Huye, Rwanda.
Nigeria are currently fifth in Group C with three points from four matches, while Zimbabwe are at the bottom with two points.
Since their last meeting, both teams have changed coaches.
Michael Nees was not in charge when the Warriors started their World Cup qualification campaign.
Brazilian coach Baltemar Britto led the Warriors during the matches in Rwanda, before Jairos Tapera, coach of Manica Diamonds, took over for the games against South Africa and Lesotho.

Zimbabwe's coach, Michael Nees, believes their team can beat Nigeria's Super Eagles in the World Cup qualifier. The game will be on March 25 in Uyo. Both teams are currently struggling in Group C. Nigeria has three points and Zimbabwe has two. Both teams have new coaches since their last meeting. Nees is confident in his team's abilities to win. Nigeria is beatable, and the Warriors are ready for an exciting match. Let's see if they can turn things around and surprise everyone with a win!

Michael Nees Confident Zimbabwe Can Beat Nigeria In 2026 World Cup Qualifier

Former Warriors and Highlanders striker Zenzo Moyo said Zimbabweans should accept that the country’s senior football team has been reduced to minnows in international football, therefore, losing to countries such as Lesotho should not be surprising.
Zimbabwe lost 0-2 to Lesotho on Friday and has another tough assignment against Bafana Bafana this Tuesday in the ongoing 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
Speaking to the <a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/we-are-now-minnows-zenzo-moyo/">Chronicle</a>, Moyo said Zimbabwe has to go back to the drawing board, identify why standards have gone down low, and take corrective action. He said:
<blockquote>
I don’t understand people who say we are losing to minnows when we have become the minnows ourselves.
Football being football, we can get a result from Bafana Bafana this evening but that does not take away the fact that we need to regroup, restrategise come up with a clear five to 10-year plan of what we really want to achieve.
At the moment we don’t have a clear plan as we just react to the situation that is on the ground. It should not be a surprise that we are losing to teams like Lesotho because while they were developing we have been degrading.
We used to beat teams like Lesotho, Botswana and even South Africa on impressive scorelines but now we are struggling against the same teams.
We are not at the level which we used to be at and the sooner we accept that the better. We have to look at where we have done wrong and rectify that. It will be a process but that is what our football needs right now.
</blockquote>
Zimbabwe is yet to register a win in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. The Warriors drew against Rwanda and Nigeria in November 2023 before last week’s embarrassment by Lesotho in Soweto.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

"Zimbabwe Now A Minnow In International Football"

Interim Warriors coach Jairos Tapera has made wholesale changes to the starting 11 for the 2026 World Cup qualifier against South Africa at Free State Stadium later today.
The match kicks off at 6 PM CAT.
Tapera made six changes to the team that started in the 0-2 defeat to Lesotho at Orlando Stadium on Friday.
He has changed the formation to a 3-5-2 from the 4-3-3 structure that he used in the match against the Crocodiles.
Manica Diamonds goalkeeper Geoffrey Chitsumba has replaced Donovan Bernard who failed to deal with a Lesotho corner kick that resulted in the first goal.
Godknows Murwira, Walter Musona, Richard Hachiro, Munashe Garan’anga and Douglas Mapfumo have all been handed starting berths.
Here is the Warriors First XI
<blockquote>
Geoffrey Chitsumba, Godknows Murwira, Gerald Takwara, Munashe Garan’anga, Divine Lunga, Walter Musona, Richard Hachiro, Andy Rinomhota, Marshal Munetsi, Douglas Mapfumo, Tawanda Chirewa.
</blockquote>
South Africa picked up a point against Nigeria on Friday in Uyo and they will go into the game against the Warriors as the favourites.
However, the Warriors have a slight physical advantage given that Bafana Bafana travelled more than 9,000 km to and from Nigeria while the Zimbabwe squad was in South Africa during that period.
Zimbabwe anchors the table with two points while Benin, who beat Nigeria 2-1 on Monday night, lead the log standings with 7 points.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Tapera In Major Warriors Shake Up For Crucial Bafana Bafana Match

South Africa will host Zimbabwe this Tuesday, 11 June, on the Matchday four of the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers.
The Group C encounter kicks off at 6 PM CAT.
The game will take place at Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein, South Africa.
The match will be available to watch on ZBC TV in Zimbabwe. Remember ZBC TV and 5 other local TV channels plus 6 radio stations are now available in high definition (HD). You can buy the decoder easily on WhatsApp by sending the word decoder to 0717 684 274. Or just click this link: https://wa.me/263717684274?text=decoder
In South Africa, SABC Sports will broadcast the match live. The channel is available on DTT Decoder (South Africa only) on Open View.
FIFA Plus will stream the match live but in selected regions.
Meanwhile, Warriors midfielder Divine Lunga trained on Monday following his recovery from an ankle injury.
The left-back had missed the previous training session after sustaining a knock during the game against Lesotho on Friday.
Ngezi Platinum Stars midfielder Richard Hachiro joined the Warriors squad on Saturday as a replacement for the injured Brendan Galloway.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

How To Watch The South Africa Versus Zimbabwe World Cup Qualifier

Zimbabwe’s hope of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup finals suffered a blow on Friday afternoon following a 2-0 defeat by Lesotho.
The Warriors paid the price for a poor first-half defensive display in the Group C matchday three encounter played at Orlando Stadium in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Zimbabwe were favourites going into the match, after fielding a relatively strong first XI that included Wolves youngster Tawanda Chirewa, who made his international debut in the match, as well as Marshall Munetsi, Tino Kadewere, Jordan Zemura, Teenage Hadebe, Divine Lunga and Andy Rinomhota.
The Crocodiles took the lead after 21 minutes when left-back Rethabile Rasethuntsa helped the ball over the line when Zimbabwe’s defence failed to deal with a corner.
Lesotho doubled their lead just nine minutes later as Jane Thaba-Ntso slid in the second, following another Warriors error.
Chirewa and Munetsi were both denied by the woodwork as the Warriors’ efforts came to nothing.
Zimbabwe remain on two points after draws against Rwanda and Nigeria in their first two matches.
Benin beat Rwanda 1-0 at home on Thursday to climb to third in Group C.
Nigeria was scheduled to host South Africa on Friday at Godswill Akpabio International Stadium. The match kicks off at 9 PM CAT.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Zimbabwe Lose To Lesotho In World Cup Qualifier

Zimbabwe is set to “host” Lesotho on Matchday three of the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers Group C at Orlando Stadium in Johannesburg, South Africa on Friday 7 June 2024.
Kick-off is at 3 Central African Time (CAT).
As reported by <a href="https://www.soccer24.co.zw/2024/06/06/how-to-watch-zimbabwe-vs-lesotho-in-2026-wcqs-game/">Soccer24</a>, the match will be available to watch on ZBC TV in Zimbabwe.
In South Africa, SABC Sports will show the match live. The channel is available on DTT Decoder (South Africa only) and Open View.
FIFA Plus will stream the match live but in selected regions.
Last week, ZIFA announced the gate charges for the match: the Rest of the Ground ticket costs R50 for adults and R30 for kids under the age of 12 years.
Zimbabwe is hosting Lesotho in South Africa because all local stadiums were deemed unfit to host international matches by the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
After hosting Lesotho, the Warriors will remain in South Africa to play Bafana Bafana at Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein on 11 June.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

How To Watch Zimbabwe Versus Lesotho 2026 World Cup Game

The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) has announced the gate charges for the forthcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier match against Lesotho.
The match is slated for 7 June at the Orlando Stadium in Johannesburg, South Africa.
According to a post on ZIFA’s social media pages, the Rest of the Ground ticket costs R50 for adults and R30 for kids under the age of 12 years.
ZIFA also said tickets will be available online via a link shared on the same post.
Zimbabwe is hosting Lesotho in South Africa because all local stadiums were deemed unfit to host international matches by the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
After hosting Lesotho, the Warriors will remain in South Africa to play Bafana Bafana at Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein on 11 June.
Zimbabwe also played its first 2026 FIFA World Cup home qualifier against Nigeria in Rwanda in November 2023 a few days after playing the central African nation.
The Sport, Arts, Recreation and Culture Deputy Minister Emily Jesaya on Wednesday said that renovations at the National Sports Stadium will not be completed this year as there is still a lot of work that needs to be done at the facility.
Some of the CAF requirements include installation of bucket seats, electronic turnstiles, a Venue Operations Centre (VOC) and renovation of the B-Arena.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

ZIFA Announces Gate Charges For Warriors World Cup Qualifier Against Lesotho

The 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier between South Africa and Zimbabwe at the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein on Tuesday, 11 June 2024, will kick off at 6 PM, the South African Football Association (SAFA), has said.
FIFA had initially scheduled the match to kick off at 9 PM but SAFA CEO Lydia Monyepao said they requested a switch to a 7:30 PM start to accommodate the fans. <a href="https://www.safa.net/2024/05/11/bafana-vs-zimbabwe-fifa-world-cup-clash-to-kick-off-at-18h00/">Said Monyepao</a>:
<blockquote>
We wanted the game to kick off at 19h30 because this is the traditional start of late matches in South Africa, and given that it is a midweek match, it accommodates those who are coming from work and have other engagements.
But ultimately we were given a 6 pm kick-off and the decision was final. So, the match between Bafana Bafana and Zimbabwe at the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein on Tuesday, 11 June 2024 will kick off at 18h00.
We call upon all fans to fill up the stadium and support the boys, make sure that they feel the love when they play their first match at home since the Bronze medal achievement at the Africa Cup of Nations in Côte d’Ivoire a few weeks ago.
</blockquote>
According to SAFA, the gates will open at 3 PM and the tickets are priced at R50.00 for adults. Kids, scholars and students will pay R20.00 (school uniform and student cards required for over 12-year-olds). Tickets are available at TicketPro outlets, Spar, SuperSpar, Putco, Postnet etc.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Zimbabwe, South Africa 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier Kick-off Time Changed

Former Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) spokesperson Fadzayi Mahere has accused the Minister of Sport, Arts, Recreation and Culture Kirsty Coventry, of misleading the nation about the progress the Government has made in renovating the National Sports Stadium (NSS).
This comes after the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) announced that the Zimbabwe national team (The Warriors) will host Lesotho at the Orlando Stadium in Johannesburg, South Africa in their FIFA 2026 World Cup qualifier on 07 June.
The decision to use Orlando Stadium as the Warriors’ home turf comes a few months after the Warriors used Huye Stadium in Rwanda as their home ground when they played Nigeria in another World Cup qualifier.
Zimbabwe currently has no stadium to host international matches after the National Sports Stadium in Harare was condemned by the CAF as unfit to host the matches.
In February this year, Coventry told the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee that the National Sports Stadium would be ready for the June World Cup qualifiers. She said:
<blockquote>
I do believe our next game is in June and we had set the target of April, so if it’s June, it gives us a little bit of leeway but I expect that things are done and CAF is back to Zimbabwe to visit before April.
Those are the time-lines I can share with you right now because I am bound by the MoUs I signed and I have to be as respectful as I can to those private companies that have come forward to offer financial assistance.
</blockquote>
Following ZIFA’s announcement that the Warriors will play their next home game in South Africa, Mahere took to X to express her disappointment in Coventry, saying the latter continues to mislead the nation about the progress of renovations at the National Sports Stadium. Said Mahere:
<blockquote>
As far back as February 2020, Minister Kirsty Coventry lied to the nation that she had the stadium refurbishment under control and that she was on it.
When we expressed our scepticism, the honourable Minister called it “nonsense.” In September 2020, Minister Coventry lied that the “refurbishments” they’d “done” would be approved by CAF. They weren’t.
In 2022, the honourable Minister lied that a South African company had been engaged to refurbish the national stadium. To date, the national stadium remains condemned.
</blockquote>
Meanwhile, the Warriors will play Bafana Bafana of South Africa at Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein on 11 June, four days after hosting Lesotho in Johannesburg.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

From Huye To Orlando; Mahere Accuses Coventry Of Lying About Stadium Situation

The Zimbabwean government has committed to upgrading the National Sports Stadium to meet the minimum standards set by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) before the next set of FIFA World Cup qualifiers in June. Currently, all local stadiums are banned from hosting CAF-sanctioned matches due to not meeting the required standards. This decision comes after Zimbabwe had to host their Group C 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Nigeria in Rwanda, which disappointed local football fans.
Deputy Minister of Youth, Sport, Arts and Recreation, Emily Jesaya, declared that the Warriors’ next home match would be played at the National Sports Stadium. <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/sport/article/200020508/govt-makes-stadium-pledge">NewsDay</a> cites her as saying:
<blockquote>
The ministry is aware of the situation with our stadia and it’s one of the key priorities in 2024.
I am sure you heard that in the budget we have been allocated funds which are specifically for the development of our stadiums. We would want to assure the nation that next year 2024, we will see the Warriors play at the National Sports Stadium.
</blockquote>
Zimbabwe is set to host Benin for Match Day 3 of the World Cup qualifiers in the first week of June.
Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube has pledged ZWL$136 billion (approximately US$20 million) towards sports development, including the renovation of major stadiums and recreational facilities. The National Sports Stadium, in particular, requires improvements such as bucket seats and electronic entrance gates (turnstiles).
Other efforts to refurbish stadiums include the Harare City Council’s work on Rufaro Stadium and Walter Magaya’s development of a 5,000-seater stadium called Heart Stadium, with plans to expand it to accommodate 25,000 fans.
<h3><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h3>

Warriors Will Play Their Next Match At The National Sports Stadium - Deputy Minister

Warriors striker <a href="https://pindula.co.zw/Tino_Kadewere">Tino Kadewere</a> has saluted Zimbabweans based in Rwanda who came in large numbers to support the national team during the recent 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers played at at Huye Stadium in Butare.
Zimbabwe played Rwanda at Huye Stadium on 15 November and the match ended 0-0.
Four days later, the Warriors hosted the Super Eagles of Nigeria at the same venue as Zimbabwe does not have a stadium that meets CAF standards. The match ended 1-1.
The Sunday News reported Kadewere as saying that Zimbabweans based in Rwanda who cheered the team in both matches created an atmosphere associated with playing at the National Sports Stadium in Harare, and made the Warriors feel at home. Said Kadewere:
<blockquote>
We never felt away from home. These guys have been amazing. When we heard that we would play both our games in Rwanda, we thought we would miss everything, like the atmosphere associated with playing at the National Sports Stadium. But we were wrong. These guys made us feel at home. We salute them.
</blockquote>
Butare is located about 126 kilometres south-west of Kigali, the Rwandan capital.
The road trip from Kigali to Butare takes about three hours, as the road passes through many hills, and vehicles travel at a maximum speed of 60 kilometres per hour. The trip costs RF2 500 (around US$2).
Many Zimbabweans were ready to endure the six-hour round trips to back the Warriors.
Diana Marerwa, a primary school teacher living in Keza, on the outskirts of Kigali, has been living in Rwanda for the past 25 years.
She was among among the hordes of Zimbabweans based in Rwanda who attended both games. Said Marerwa:
<blockquote>
I am a teacher based in Kigali. Once we heard that Zimbabwe would play two games here, we started mobilising each other so that we could attend the games.
I am very happy that I managed to attend both games. Our players were also very happy to see us rallying behind them.
It motivated them a lot, and we hope to see more of this, not just in football, but in other sports, here, for they are guaranteed support.
</blockquote>
Kidson Chiworera who works in Mwanza, said that the Warriors matches enabled him to physically meet with his virtual compatriots. He said:
<blockquote>
Of course, we came here for both games to show our support for the national team, but this was also an opportunity for us to meet physically with Zimbabweans who are based in this country.
We talk to each other on social media and the phone, but this was an opportunity for us to meet in person.
That’s why you saw us hugging and jumping before these games.
We were actually celebrating being together, physically, for the first time.
We are one big community and we love each other. That is why it was never difficult for us to come together and say guys, let’s go and rally behind our Warriors.
</blockquote>
The Zimbabweans appeared to outnumber the Rwandans in the first game and also sang famous songs such as “Yave nyama yekugocha” and “Vakomana vekwedu” which created a home atmosphere for the Warriors.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Kadewere Salutes Zimbabweans Based In Rwanda For Creating "Home" Atmosphere At Warriors Matches

Warriors captain <a href="https://pindula.co.zw/Marvelous_Nakamba">Marvelous Nakamba</a> says Zimbabwe can qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup finals if the team continues working hard.
The Luton Town midfielder was speaking on Sunday after the Warriors drew 1-1 against the Super Eagles of Nigeria in their second Group C match played at the Huye Stadium in Rwanda.
With better finishing, Zimbabwe could have snatched all three points but despite the draw, Nakamba believes the Warriors can still qualify for the upcoming World Cup finals. He said:
<blockquote>
We tried our best as a team, we worked well on what we wanted to do and we got so many chances to finish the game but unfortunately, it didn’t happen.
We just have to keep on going and believing in ourselves.
We are just looking forward going into the next match, I think it will be in March. We just have to stick together as players and encourage each other…
I think we have the chance to make it as a team, we just have to push each other more and demand more from each other, and it will happen.
</blockquote>
Zimbabwe also drew their first Group C match, a 0-0 draw against Rwanda at the same venue on Wednesday.
The World Cup qualifiers resume next year and Zimbabwe will host Lesotho before travelling to South Africa for a date against Bafana Bafana. Both matches will be played between 3 and 11 June 2024.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/2023/11/18/president-mnangagwa-reverses-the-appointment-of-general-valerio-sibanda-to-zanu-pf-politburo/">Pindula News</a>

Warriors Can Qualify For 2026 FIFA World Cup Finals, Says Nakamba

Warriors coach Baltemar Brito said he was happy with the players’ performance in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Group C qualifier against Nigeria on Sunday, 19 November, but was disappointed with the result.
Zimbabwe drew 1-1 against Nigeria in a match played at the Huye Stadium in Butare, Rwanda.
The Warriors created arguably the best chances in the match but failed to take maximum points after Walter Musona’s stunning free-kick in the first half was cancelled out by a Kelechi Iheanacho strike in the second half.
Teenage Hadebe, Devine Lunga and Tanaka Shandirwa then wasted great chances, leaving the Brazilian-born coach frustrated. Said Brito:
<blockquote>
I am happy but disappointed as well. It was a really good game of football by the players. They gave it their all and I think for all the effort they deserve to be praised.
I salute this group of players for their committed fight on the field. It was a close contest, but I think we fashioned out the best chances.
Nigeria were in our box very few times. I think we had a chance to win the game but credit to the players for the fight.
</blockquote>
The World Cup qualifiers resume next year and Zimbabwe will host Lesotho before travelling to South Africa for a date against Bafana Bafana. Both matches will be played between 3 and 11 June 2024.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/2023/11/18/president-mnangagwa-reverses-the-appointment-of-general-valerio-sibanda-to-zanu-pf-politburo/">Pindula News</a>

Brito Happy But Disappointed After Warriors Fail To Beat Nigeria

The Warriors drew 1-1 against the Super Eagles of Nigeria in a 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifier Group C encounter played at Huye Stadium in Butare, Rwanda on Sunday, 19 November.
Zimbabwe hosted Nigeria in Rwanda due to the unavailability of a single stadium in the country that meets CAF standards.
The was a cagey start to the encounter before the Warriors took control of the play and started dominating the pace towards the quarter hour.
However, there were no clear-cut chances on both ends with the play getting concentrated in the midfield.
FC Platinum forward Walter Musona broke the deadlock in the 26th minute after his free-kick hit the back of the net from 35 yards out.
The Nigerians took the game to Zimbabwe in the second half and created several chances, including an indirect kick inside the 16-yard box which the Warriors repelled.
As the Super Eagles continued to press high up the pitch, they managed to breach the Warriors’ rearguard in the 66th minute as Kelechi Iheanacho found the back of the net to equalise for Nigeria.
Warriors coach Baltemar Brito decided to change the formation and introduced Sheriff Teraspol’s Munashe Garananga as a third centre-back.
The move paid off dividends as Zimbabwe started to retain some possession.
The Warriors could have regained the lead later on in the game, but Teenage Hadebe and substitute Divine Lunga missed their open chances.
It was however, Dynamos midfielder Tanaka Shandirwa who had the best chance for Zimbabwe in the second half but he blazed his effort over the bar.
The game ended in a 1-1 draw with both teams moving to two points in Group C.
On Wednesday, the Warriors also bagged a point after a 0-0 draw against Rwanda, while the Super Eagles were held to a 1-1 draw at home to Lesotho.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/2023/11/18/president-mnangagwa-reverses-the-appointment-of-general-valerio-sibanda-to-zanu-pf-politburo/">Pindula News</a>

Warriors, Nigeria Draw 1-1 In World Cup Qualifier

Warriors coach Baltemar Brito has named his starting eleven to face Nigeria in this afternoon’s Group C 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier.
Brito made three changes from the team that started against Rwanda in the Warriors’ last match.
Jordan Zemura has replaced Divine Lunga at left-back, Andy Rinomhota has come in for Brian Banda in midfield, and Tino Kadewere replaced the injured Admiral Muskwe.
The match kicks off at 3 PM.
Below is the starting eleven:
Donovan Benard, Andrew Mbeba, Gerald Takwara, Teenage Hadebe, Jordan Zemura, Marvelous Nakamba, Marshall Munetsi, Andy Rinomhota, Walter Musona, Prince Dube, Tino Kadewere.
Substitutes: Washington Arubi, Admiral Muskwe, Peter Muduhwa, Terence Dzvukamanja, Brian Banda, Martin Mapisa, Obriel Chirinda, Takanaka Shandirwa, Divine Lunga, Munashe Garananga, Frank Makarati.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/2023/11/18/president-mnangagwa-reverses-the-appointment-of-general-valerio-sibanda-to-zanu-pf-politburo/">Pindula News</a>

Warriors Starting Eleven Against Nigeria Named

<a href="https://pindula.co.zw/Tino_Kadewere">Tino Kadewere</a> has said the Warriors have the quality to stand toe to toe with the Super Eagles of Nigeria as the two nations clash in a Group C FIFA 2026 World Cup qualifier at Huye Stadium in Rwanda this Sunday.
The match kicks off at 3 PM.
The Sunday Mail reported the Lyon player as saying the Warriors will consider the game “a cup final” and will draw inspiration from their last match against Nigeria which ended 1-1. Said Kadewere.
<blockquote>
The last time we played against Nigeria, the match ended 1-1, and we take that as a positive.
Of course, they are counted as one of the biggest teams in Africa, but we don’t want to put that into our minds.
We have to go into the pitch telling ourselves that it’s a cup final; we need to do everything to get this victory for ourselves and the nation. We should do our best.
We all know Nigeria; they have a very good squad.
Of course, they have a few players missing, like Victor Osimhen and Samuel Chukwueze, but they still have a very good squad.
We don’t need to focus on those missing; we have to focus on those who are there.
We should try to put our minds in the game and take it as a final.
We should try and make sure that we don’t sit back; we have to push forward to get the victory.
It’s not going to be easy, but we need to throw more than 100 percent into this game.
</blockquote>
Nigeria’s only loss in seven meetings with Zimbabwe came in an international friendly in August 1981, reported Daily Nigerian.
Since then, the Super Eagles have claimed four wins and two draws, including an aggregate 8-1 win across two legs during the qualifiers for the 2006 FIFA World Cup.
Julius Aghahowa and Yakubu Aiyegbeni scored as Nigeria secured a 0-3 victory at the National Sports Stadium in Harare.
A brace from Obafemi Martins and a Nwankwo Kanu penalty were among the goals as Nigeria completed the job with a 5-1 triumph in Abuja in the return leg.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/2023/11/18/president-mnangagwa-reverses-the-appointment-of-general-valerio-sibanda-to-zanu-pf-politburo/">Pindula News</a>

It's Like A Cup Final, Kadewere Says Warriors Not Afraid Of Nigeria

Warriors coach Baltermar Brito said that he will rotate his squad as Zimbabwe seeks to get maximum points against Nigeria in a FIFA 2026 World Cup qualifying tie at Huye Stadium in Rwanda on Sunday afternoon.
The Warriors are the home team in Rwanda and have been in the country for almost a week, while the Super Eagles jetted into the central African country less than 48 hours ago.
The Warriors were held to a 0-0 draw by Rwanda in their first FIFA 2026 World Cup qualifier while Nigeria drew 1-1 against Lesotho.
Speaking to the media ahead of the match, Brito revealed that he will ring the changes in the team that will play against Nigeria. <a href="https://www.sundaymail.co.zw/warriors-dare-super-eagles">The Sunday Mail</a> quoted him as saying:
<blockquote>
We didn’t have much time to prepare for the match against Rwanda, and, even without much time, we still managed to do well.
We feel this is the beginning of a new era for Zimbabwean football. We will make changes, bringing a team with those stars to face Nigeria.
Nigeria is a big team, and we know what they are capable of doing as a team.
They have a lot of talented players in their team and we should make sure they don’t get to shine against us.
We need to be compact, play as a unit and see what happens. But we remain confident that we can get a good result.
At the end of the day, a result is what we need to get.
We started with a draw and we are now going all out in search of that win.
</blockquote>
Some of the star players who did not start or play against Rwanda are Lyon forward <a href="https://pindula.co.zw/Tino_Kadewere">Tino Kadewere</a>, Udinese wingback <a href="https://pindula.co.zw/Jordan_Zemura">Jordan Zemura</a>, Sheriff Tiraspol defender <a href="https://pindula.co.zw/Munashe_Garananga">Munashe Garan’anga</a>, and Cardiff City midfielder Andy Rinomhota.
Some of the players delayed joining camp and only had a few hours of practice with their peers or did not have time at all to train with the rest of the team.
The match kicks off at 3 PM.
South Africa currently lead Group C on three points, while Lesotho, Nigeria, Rwanda and Zimbabwe have a single point each. Benin anchor the table with no point after losing 2-1 to South Africa on 18 November.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/2023/11/18/president-mnangagwa-reverses-the-appointment-of-general-valerio-sibanda-to-zanu-pf-politburo/">Pindula News</a>

Brito To Rotate Warriors Squad Against Nigeria

The Zimbabwean national men’s football team, known as the Warriors, boycotted their training session in Rwanda ahead of a FIFA 2026 World Cup qualifier match against Nigeria. The players refused to participate, demanding their unpaid allowances from the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA).
This is not the first time Zimbabwean football teams have taken such action due to unpaid fees. During the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations, the Warriors threatened to boycott their match against Egypt unless they received their promised payment of $9,000 each. It was eventually paid and they played against the Pharaohs. Similarly, the Mighty Warriors, Zimbabwe’s national women’s soccer team, abandoned a match against Zambia in protest of unpaid fees in 2019. This recurring issue often leads to allegations of mismanagement of funds by officials.
Zimbabwe has faced various challenges in international football due to administrative issues. In the past, they were banned from participating in qualifiers due to failure in settling a former coach’s contract and alleged political interference in the football association. They have also been forced to move home games to neutral venues as their facilities were deemed substandard.
Some players reported that the Wednesday match against Rwanda was played under protest by the Warriors, possibly affecting their performance. The players have accused the ZIFA Normalization Committee of not fulfilling their promises regarding bonuses and daily allowances, which have remained unpaid since their arrival in Rwanda. Furthermore, they were not given any money for the game against Rwanda. As a result, the players refused to participate in the scheduled training session today.
Africa’s qualifying process for the World Cup is known to be challenging, with only a limited number of spots available. Although the expansion of the tournament will increase Africa’s quotas from five to nine teams, the competition remains fierce. The qualifying campaign for the 2026 World Cup has started in different regions, including Africa, where nine automatic places are up for grabs. Additionally, a new playoff system has been introduced, offering the possibility of an extra spot for African teams.
The ongoing issues surrounding unpaid fees and administrative challenges in Zimbabwean football highlight the need for greater transparency and accountability within the sport’s governing bodies. It is crucial that players’ welfare and their rightful entitlements are prioritized to ensure fair and effective development of football in the country.
Zimbabwe seeks to be one of the nine African countries that will qualify for the event co-hosted by Canada, Mexico and the U.S. The expansion of the World Cup from 32 to 48 teams means Africa’s quota of finalists is increased from five to nine, with the possibility of another place through a new playoff system that has been introduced.
<h3><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h3>

Warriors Boycott Training Ahead Of Match Against Nigeria

Warriors coach Baltemar Brito has named a starting eleven to face Rwanda in Zimbabwe’s first 2026 World Cup qualifier at the Huye Stadium this afternoon.
Four of the players in the starting XI ply their trade in the local premiership and the rest are based at foreign clubs on the African continent and further afield.
The match is set to kick off at 3 PM.
Below is the starting eleven
Donovan Benard, Andrew Mbeba, Teenage Hadebe, Gerald Takwara, Divine Lunga, Brian Banda, Marvellous Nakamba, Marshall Munetsi, Admiral Muskwe, Walter Musona, Prince Dube.
Bernard (Chicken Inn), Mbeba (Highlanders), Banda (FC Platinum) and Musona (FC Platinum) are the locally-based players.
The foreign-based players are Hadebe (Houston Dynamo), Takwara (Ohod), Lunga (Mamelodi Sundowns), Nakamba (Luton Town), Munetsi (Stade de Reims), Muskwe (Exeter City), and Dube (Azam).
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Brito Names Warriors Starting XI To Face Rwanda

The Warriors technical team led by Baltemar Brito has announced the final squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers against Rwanda and Nigeria.
Zimbabwe will face Rwanda in the Group C opener on 15 November at Huye Stadium, and then host Nigeria in their second game at the same venue four days later.
Several players have been dropped from the provisional 28-member squad that was announced on 01 November.
The players who have been dropped include Liverpool youngster Isaac Mabaya, Wolves Academy star Leon Chiwome, Brentford goalkeeper Marley Tavaziva, Leicester City striker Tawanda Maswanhise, Plymouth Argyle defender Brendan Galloway and Cyprus-based defender Tendayi Darikwa.
According to the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA), the gate charges for the Warriors versus Rwanda match are as follows:
<div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a">
<ul>
<li dir="auto">1000Rwf – General</li>
<li dir="auto">5000Rwf – Regular</li>
<li dir="auto">10000Rwf – VIP</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a">
<div dir="auto">Exchange Rate: 1USD = 1,225.14 Rwandan Franc</div>
</div>
Here is the final Warriors squad.
Goalkeepers
<ul>
<li>Donovan Bernard (Chicken Inn)</li>
<li>Washington Arubi (SuperSport United)</li>
<li>Martin Mapisa (FC Malaga City)</li>
</ul>
Defenders
<ul>
<li>Andrew Mbeba (Highlanders)</li>
<li>Peter Muduhwa (Highlanders)</li>
<li>Frank Makarati (Dynamos)</li>
<li>Teenage Hadebe (Houston Dynamo)</li>
<li>Munashe Garan’anga (Sheriff Tiraspol)</li>
<li>Jordan Zemura (Udinese)</li>
<li>Tivonge Rushesha (Reading)</li>
<li>Divine Lunga</li>
</ul>
Midfielders
<ul>
<li>Brian Banda (FC Platinum)</li>
<li>Marshall Munetsi (Stade de Reims)</li>
<li>Andy Rinomhota</li>
<li>Marvelous Nakamba (Luton Town)</li>
<li>Gerald Takwara (Ohod)</li>
<li>Tanaka Shandirwa (Dynamos)</li>
</ul>
Forwards
<ul>
<li>Obriel Chirinda (Bulawayo Chiefs)</li>
<li>Prince Dube (Azam)</li>
<li>Tinotenda Kadewere (Lyon)</li>
<li>Admiral Muskwe (Exeter City)</li>
<li>Walter Musona (FC Platinum)</li>
<li>Terrence Dzvukamanja (SuperSport United)</li>
</ul>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Brito Names Final Warriors Squad For Rwanda, Nigeria Matches... ZIFA Announces Gate Charges

Warriors coach Baltemar Brito said the 28 players named in the provisional Warriors squad for Zimbabwe’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers this month were selected because they have the “ability to face two challenges in a short space of time.”
There was an uproar in some sections of the fanbase after Brito and his technical team overlooked some experienced players and called up greenhorns from Europe.
The likes of Ronald Pfumbidzai, Knox Mutizwa, Devine Lunga and Kundai Benyu are not in the squad whereas some youngsters playing at English clubs’ development sides were called up.
Liverpool midfielder Isaac Mabaya and Leicester City striker Tawanda Maswanhise play for the development sides of their respective clubs but were named in the Warriors’ provisional squad to face Rwanda on 15 November, and Nigeria on 19 November.
Speaking to <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/brito-defends-warriors-selection/">The Herald</a>, Brito said the technical team did not look at the status of the players. He added:
<blockquote>
We had this camping in Harare, where a number of players impressed and Tanaka (Shandirwa) is on the list, it was just an error by the media department.
For the other ones like Devine (Lunga), Knox (Mutizwa) and Ronald (Pfumbidzai) it was a technical decision after we realised the players that we have in the same positions, the competitiveness and the minutes they have had.
</blockquote>
The bulk of the players called up for the two matches are foreign-based, with the likes of Highlanders and Dynamos defenders, Peter Muduhwa and Frank Makarati, respectively, among the few local players in the provisional squad. Said Brito:
<blockquote>
We also analysed the European-based players that we have and also the magnitude of the task that we have, and the opponents that we will face, Rwanda and Nigeria.
We took the decision in the best interests of Zimbabwe knowing that in one of the assignments we will just have two days of training, the other one a really tough one.
So, the criteria was to balance the team with experience and youth and also take into consideration we have two games in four days.
So, we went for quality and the ability to face these two challenges in a short space of time.
We will try to choose the best eleven when the players come together. We know that some of the players will play on the weekend and have a big journey to Rwanda and they will be affected in terms of freshness.
These are some of the factors we also considered.
</blockquote>
Here is the provisional squad:
Goalkeepers
<ul>
<li>Donovan Bernard (Chicken Inn)</li>
<li>Washington Arubi (SuperSport United)</li>
<li>Martin Mapisa (FC Malaga City)</li>
<li>Marley Tavaziva (Brentford)</li>
</ul>
Defenders
<ul>
<li>Tendayi Darikwa (Apolon Limassol)</li>
<li>Andrew Mbeba (Highlanders)</li>
<li>Peter Muduhwa (Highlanders)</li>
<li>Frank Makarati (Dynamos)</li>
<li>Teenage Hadebe (Houston Dynamo)</li>
<li>Munashe Garan’anga (Sheriff Tiraspol)</li>
<li>Brendan Galloway (Plymouth Argyle)</li>
<li>Jordan Zemura (Udinese)</li>
<li>Tivonge Rushesha (Reading)</li>
</ul>
Midfielders
<ul>
<li>Brian Banda (FC Platinum)</li>
<li>Marshall Munetsi (Stade de Reims)</li>
<li>Marvelous Nakamba (Luton Town)</li>
<li>Gerald Takwara (Ohod)</li>
<li>Isaac Mabaya (Liverpool)</li>
</ul>
Forwards
<ul>
<li>Obriel Chirinda (Bulawayo Chiefs)</li>
<li>Prince Dube (Azam)</li>
<li>Tinotenda Kadewere (Lyon)</li>
<li>Admiral Muskwe (Exeter City)</li>
<li>Walter Musona (FC Platinum)</li>
<li>Terrence Dzvukamanja (SuperSport United)</li>
<li>Leon Chiwome (Wolverhampton Wanderers)</li>
<li>Tawanda Masvanhise (Leicester City)</li>
</ul>
The Warriors are expected to get together on 13 November, just two days before playing Rwanda. Some of the European-based players are expected to fly directly to the central African country.
Get Pindula News on our WhatsApp Channel
Subscribe here: <a href="https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va84dngJP21B2nWeyM3v">https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va84dngJP21B2nWeyM3v</a>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Brito Explains Warriors Squad Selection

The Warriors technical team has named a provisional 28-member squad ahead of the Rwanda and Nigeria 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers on 15 and 19 November 2023, respectively.
Both matches will be played at Huye Stadium in Rwanda.
The likes of former captain Knowledge Musona, Khama Billiat, Nyasha Mushekwi, Divine Lunga, Kundai Benyu and Kuda Mahachi have been omitted from the squad.
Here is the provisional squad:
Goalkeepers
<ul>
<li>Donovan Bernard (Chicken Inn)</li>
<li>Washington Arubi (SuperSport United)</li>
<li>Martin Mapisa (FC Malaga City)</li>
<li>Marley Tavaziva (Brentford)</li>
</ul>
Defenders
<ul>
<li>Tendayi Darikwa (Apolon Limassol)</li>
<li>Andrew Mbeba (Highlanders)</li>
<li>Peter Muduhwa (Highlanders)</li>
<li>Frank Makarati (Dynamos)</li>
<li>Teenage Hadebe (Houston Dynamo)</li>
<li>Munashe Garan’anga (Sheriff Tiraspol)</li>
<li>Brendan Galloway (Plymouth Argyle)</li>
<li>Jordan Zemura (Udinese)</li>
<li>Tivonge Rushesha (Reading)</li>
</ul>
Midfielders
<ul>
<li>Brian Banda (FC Platinum)</li>
<li>Marshall Munetsi (Stade de Reims)</li>
<li>Marvelous Nakamba (Luton Town)</li>
<li>Gerald Takwara (Ohod)</li>
<li>Isaac Mabaya (Liverpool)</li>
</ul>
Forwards
<ul>
<li>Obriel Chirinda (Bulawayo Chiefs)</li>
<li>Prince Dube (Azam)</li>
<li>Tinotenda Kadewere (Lyon)</li>
<li>Admiral Muskwe (Exeter City)</li>
<li>Walter Musona (FC Platinum)</li>
<li>Terrence Dzvukamanja (SuperSport United)</li>
<li>Leon Chiwome (Wolverhampton Wanderers)</li>
<li>Tawanda Masvanhise (Leicester City)</li>
</ul>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Warriors Provisional Squad For Rwanda, Nigeria World Cup Qualifiers Named

The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) is yet to finalise the venue of the Warriors’ 2026 World Cup qualifier against Nigeria on 20 November.
ZIFA Normalisation Committee chairperson Lincoln Mutasa told <a href="https://www.sundaymail.co.zw/zifa-in-warriors-conundrum">The Sunday Mail</a> that the senior team may host the Super Eagles in Rwanda. Said Mutasa:
<blockquote>
We are working on hosting Nigeria in Rwanda and we are going to inform football stakeholders about it once discussions have been finalised.
</blockquote>
The Warriors take on Rwanda in Kigali on 13 November before hosting Nigeria a week later.
Mutasa conceded that ZIFA will incur huge costs in staging the Warriors’ assignments “home away from home”. He said:
<blockquote>
Yes, there are financial losses to be incurred but this is a sticky situation that we find ourselves in.
What saddens us the most is that supporters will miss an opportunity to watch their beloved team at home after a long time without international football.
While we would have wanted to get revenue from the match, what is important for us is to give footballers a rare opportunity to play the FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
You can never put a cost to that.
Naturally, the football association foots its own bills, if it is within their means, but help from our partners will be accepted.
</blockquote>
Last week, the Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture Deputy Minister Emily Jesaya told senators that ZIFA was yet to notify the Ministry about plans to host the Warriors match in Rwanda.
Meanwhile, ZIFA failed to arrange international friendly matches for the Warriors in the recent international break.
The Warriors ended up playing a practice match against a Northern Region select side, which they lost 3-1.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers Latest News

Latest Jobs