Zimbabwe Warriors coach Baltemore Brito announced the 28-man provisional squad that is set to do the job against Rwanda and Nigeria for the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers.
Zimbabwe is scheduled to face Rwanda away on November 15 and Nigeria at home on November 19.
Luton Town’s Marvellous Nakamba, Reims’ Marshall Munetsi, and Lyon’s Tino Kadewere headline the squad.
There is also the inclusion of new faces such as Liverpool academy midfielder Isaac Mabaya, Wolves forward Leon Chiwome, and Brentford goalkeeper Marley Tavaziva.
The inclusion of Cardiff City’s Andy Rinomhota, Brendan Galloway, Reading’s Tivonge Rushesha, and Leicester’s Tawanda Maswanhise completes the list of Britain-based players.
Mixed reactions have been evoked, as some feel the team selection paves the way for a new dawn in the country’s football development.
However, some also disapprove of the overlooking of defenders Gillmore Chimwemwe, Knox Mtizwa, Ronald Pfumbidzai, and Donald Mudadi.
Zimbabwe are set to mark their return to competitive international football after an 18-month FIFA suspension.
READ MORE: Zimbabwe reveals new home ground away from home for their World Cup qualifiers
Brito’s men, who are in Group C, will play both their World Cup qualifier matches against Rwanda and Nigeria in Rwanda at the Huye Stadium
Full Zimbabwe Warriors’ provisional squad
Goalkeepers:
Donovan Bernard (Chicken Inn)
Washington Arubi (SuperSport United)
Martin Mapisa (FC Malaga City)
Marley Tavaziva (Brentford)
Defenders:
Tendayi Darikwa (Apollon Limassol),
Andrew Mbeba (Highlanders)
Peter Muduhwa (Highlanders)
Frank Makarati (Dynamos)
Teenage Hadebe (Houston Dynamo)
Munashe Garan’anga (Sheriff Tiraspol)
Brendan Galloway (Plymouth Argyle)
Jordan Zemura (Udinese)
Tivonge Rushesha (Reading)
Midfielders:
Brian Banda (FC Platinum)
Marshall Munetsi (Stade de Reims)
Andy Rinomhota (Cardiff City
Marvelous Nakamba (Luton Town)
Gerald Takwara (Ohod)
Isaac Mabaya (Liverpool)
Tanaka Shandirwa (Dynamos)
Forwards:
Obriel Chirinda (Bulawayo Chiefs)
Prince Dube (Azam)
Tinotenda Kadewere (Lyon)
Admiral Muskwe (Exeter City)
Walter Musona (FC Platinum)
Terrence Dzvukamanja (SuperSport United)
Leon Chiwome (Wolverhampton Wanderers)
Tawanda Maswanhise (Leicester City)
