CHENGETAI NYAMUSHONYONGORA
DURBAN, South Africa – For the first time, it feels there’s something different about this Zimbabwe team. Call it optimism, call it progress, call it whatever you want—but it’s real. The Warriors head into tonight’s World Cup Qualifier against Benin not as a team clinging to unrealistic hopes, but as a group that finally feels like it’s heading in the right direction.
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| The Warriors in training [Image: ZIFA Online] |
Of course, let’s be honest from the start: Zimbabwe is not going to qualify for the 2026 World Cup. Nothing is impossible in football—that’s the political, hopeful answer. But the realistic answer? No. The Warriors sit bottom of their group with just two points from four matches—thanks to Jairos Tapera. You don’t make it to the biggest stage in football from that position. Trust me, I would kill to be proven wrong one day.
And yet, there’s no doom and gloom here. What started as a chaotic, disjointed campaign now feels like the turning point. The off-field turbulence has settled. Morale is high. Players are happy to be in camp. And for the first time in a while, Zimbabwe feels like a team with a plan.
Michael Nees has not been around for long, but he’s already done what many before him could not: bring continuity and stability. Zimbabwe isn’t looking at these qualifiers as a desperate scramble for results; they’re using them as a competitive platform to build towards AFCON 2025. And that, in itself, is progress.
The return of key players like Knowledge Musona, Khama Billiat, and Washington Arubi signals something bigger than just individual comebacks—it’s a sign that things are being done properly. Arubi’s recall ahead of the high flying Elvis Chipezeze, in particular, is fascinating. The veteran keeper had stepped away from international football, but Nees saw something in him: leadership, experience, maybe even reliability in a position that hasn’t had much of it.
But, ZIFA and Nees are also looking ahead — an advantage of having a coach with experience as a technical director of a national team. Marley Tavaziva has been in and around the squad for a while now, and you get the feeling that, in time, he’ll be Zimbabwe’s undisputed No.1. He keeps showing up, no matter the circumstances, and that matters. The same goes for Martin Mapisa, who has been in the setup since his days in Spain.
Continuity in defense is something Zimbabwean football rarely gets, but this squad is finally starting to build some. The backline—Munashe Garan’anga, Gerald Takwara, Jordan Zemura, and Godknows Murwira—has played together through the AFCON qualifiers, enough to form an understanding. Garan’anga is playing in the UEFA Europa Conference League, Zemura is growing to be a senior player at Udinese in Italy, and Takwara’s ever presence brings a level of stability that this team desperately needs.
In midfield, there’s no question about who the key man is. Marshal Munetsi is playing at the highest level, slotting in as a striker for Wolves in the Premier League, but he’s still best suited as a holding midfielder for Zimbabwe. With Marvelous Nakamba out due to injury, Munetsi will have to lead the team from deep, likely alongside Andy Rinomhota. That allows Tawanda Chirewa to operate in his best role—a free, creative force who can unlock defenses.
Chirewa is special. He put on an Iniesta-esque performance against South Africa, earning admiration even from South African fans. The way he glides past defenders, his ability to read the game, and his composure in the final third—Zimbabwe hasn’t had a player like this since Ovidy Karuru. Credit to ZIFA for trusting him early and integrating him into the national setup. If only his Wolves teammate Leon Chiwome had joined him. But there’s time.
Up front, the mix of experience and youthful energy is promising. Musona remains Zimbabwe’s most reliable goal threat, and his abilities with set pieces is always an asset. Maswanhise, who is now finding his feet at the Scottish side Motherwell, adds pace and unpredictability. If Kham Billiat he can recapture even a fraction of his best form he could still be decisive.
Tonight’s game won’t define this team. The result won’t be a measure of progress. But the performance? That’s where the signs will be. Zimbabwe has never made it out of the group stage at AFCON, but for the first time in a long time, it feels like they could.
This group reminds me of Pasuwa’s 2017 squad—the one that found itself in a group of death with Algeria, Senegal, and Tunisia. That team had no chance. This time, things are different. Egypt and South Africa may be the toughest opponents in the group, but Zimbabwe has a real shot against Angola. And South Africa? That’s a derby. Anything can happen.
If the Warriors can manage a draw against Egypt—something they did at AFCON 2019—then suddenly, things start to look even more promising. But with Zimbabwe, it has never been about talent. It has always been about management, preparation, and continuity. And right now, for once, everything looks good.
Benin and Nigeria will be serious tests, but they will also be opportunities. Zimbabwe might not be heading to the World Cup, but they are heading somewhere. And for the first time in a long time, it feels like they’re on the right path.
Predicted Line Up:
GK: Washington Arubi RB: Godknows Murwira RCB: Munashe Garan’anga LCB: Gerald Takwara LB:Jordan Zemura RDM: Marshall Munesti LDM: Andy Rinomhota CAM: Tawanda Chirewa LM: Khama Billiat ST: Knowledge Musona RM: Tawanda Maswanhise
This article was first published on Soak Bench.
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