Homeless Zimbabwe Warriors relocate to Botswana for CHAN qualifiers

By Agencies

The Zimbabwe national football squad, known as the Warriors, is gearing up for a pivotal change as they prepare to move their base to Botswana’s Obed Chilume Itani Stadium in Francistown for the first leg of their African Nations Championship (CHAN) qualifiers against Eswatini this Sunday.

This tournament, designed exclusively for players engaged in domestic leagues, serves as a vital platform for nurturing talent, and Zimbabwe has assembled a youthful contingent for this qualifying round.

Currently without a permanent home ground, the Warriors faced challenges recently by playing their 2026 World Cup and 2025 AFCON qualifiers at Orlando Stadium in South Africa.

The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) has informed Eswatini of the venue change, highlighting yet another relocation for the “homeless” Warriors who continue to struggle with the unavailability of suitable home stadiums.

Youthful Squad Revealed

ZIFA has unveiled a 22-player squad primarily made up of Under-23 talent, alongside several experienced stalwarts. This selection aligns with ZIFA’s commitment to development for the upcoming CHAN qualifiers. The team will be guided by assistant coach Takesure Chiragwi, with a training camp commencing today in Harare.

Head coach Michael Nees remarked, “This competition falls outside the FIFA calendar, so clubs are not obligated to release their best players.”

He recognized the challenges in obtaining players from clubs, particularly those in the midst of title races or battling against relegation in the current domestic league.

The under-23 squad will look to the experience of Godknows Murwira, who recently participated in the World Cup and AFCON qualifiers.

Other notable experienced players in the squad include goalkeeper Donovan Bernard from Chicken Inn, striker Obriel Chirinda of Ngezi Platinum Stars, and midfielder Brian Banda from FC Platinum.

Despite the traditional contributions from Zimbabwe’s top clubs, players from the illustrious Dynamos are conspicuously absent from this CHAN lineup.

Key individuals such as goalkeeper Martin Mapisa and defender Emmanuel Jalai, who played in recent AFCON qualifiers, were left out as ZIFA favors development for this specific tournament.

Coach Nees’ Aspirations

Head coach Michael Nees stressed the significance of providing younger players the chance to exhibit their talents on an international platform.

“This offers a developmental opportunity for the younger players to gain critical experience without the weight of usual pressure,” Nees noted.

He acknowledged that the timing of the tournament, which is outside the FIFA window, complicates the release of top club players.

Domestic League Continues

In the meantime, the domestic league remains in full swing with the Chibuku Super Cup semi-finals slated for this weekend.

Ngezi Platinum Stars will clash with Simba Bhora at Baobab Stadium on Saturday, followed by Dynamos facing off against Manica Diamonds at Rufaro Stadium on Sunday.

This Sunday, Zimbabwe will take on Eswatini in Botswana before heading to South Africa for the return leg at Mbombela Stadium, which has been Eswatini’s adopted home turf since 2019.

The winner of this matchup will advance to face Madagascar in the subsequent round of qualifiers. The CHAN 2025 tournament is scheduled to take place in February next year, co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania.

Zimbabwe CHAN Squad:

• GOALKEEPERS: Donovan Bernard (Chicken Inn), Joseph Kaunda (Manica Diamonds)
• DEFENDERS: Godknows Murwira (CAPS United), Allan Chapinduka (TelOne FC), Anotidaishe Gwatidzo (Yadah FC), Thubelihle Jubani (Manica Diamonds), Zibusiso Ruguchu (Herentals), Blessing Kagudu (Herentals), Chris Mukumbira (Bikita Minerals)
• MIDFIELDERS: Brian Banda (FC Platinum), Blessed Ndereki (Yadah FC), Mthokozisi Msebe (Simba Bhora), McKinnon Mushore (Highlanders), Tinashe Mashaireni (Kwekwe United), Denzel Mapuwa (GreenFuel), Enock Moyo (Bikita Minerals)
• FORWARDS: Obriel Chirinda (Ngezi Platinum Stars), Junior Bunjira (CAPS United), Thandolwenkosi Ngwenya (FC Platinum), Tinashe Mavhudzi (Chegutu Pirates