Sports Writer
Zimbabwe Warriors head coach Ramón Catalá has named a squad featuring a strong blend of local and foreign-based talent as the national team prepares for its opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying matches.
Catalá’s first Warriors selection includes players based in England, South Africa, Greece, Scotland, Belgium, Denmark and Finland, alongside several players plying their trade in Zimbabwe.
The Warriors will begin their Group E campaign away to Sierra Leone on September 24, before hosting DR Congo on September 28. The Sierra Leone match is scheduled for 9pm CAT, while the home clash against DR Congo will kick off at 6pm CAT.
In goal, veteran Elvis Chipezeze, who plays for South African side Magesi, is joined by Nelson Chadya of Scottland and Martin Maphisa of Hard Rock, while England-based free agent Marley Tavaziva completes the goalkeeping department.
The defensive department features several players based abroad, including Isaac Mabaya of Liverpool, Jordan Zemura of Watford, Divine Lunga of Mamelodi Sundowns and Munashe Garananga of Lyngby in Denmark.
Corbin Mthunzi of Ipswich Town, Shane Maroodza of Sarajevo, Sean Fusire of Sheffield Wednesday and free agent Brendan Galloway provide further options at the back.
The locally based defensive contingent comprises Emmanuel Jalai, Kelvin Moyo and Peter Muduhwa, all of Scottland.
In midfield, Catalá has selected Marshall Munetsi of Wolves, Tawanda Chirewa of Wolves and Andy Rinomhota of Reading, while experienced midfielder Marvelous Nakamba of Panetolikos adds further international experience.
Aboubàkar Moffat and Knowledge Musona of Scottland, Prosper Padera of SJK Seinajoki in Finland and Mongameli Tshuma of Highlanders complete the midfield options.
The Warriors also boast considerable attacking talent.
Tawanda Maswanhise of Motherwell, Tino Kadewere of Aris Salonika, Thandolwenkosi Ngwenya of AmaZulu, Bill Antonio of KV Mechelen and Daniel Msendami of Orlando Pirates are among the forwards selected by Catalá.
They are joined by Prince Dube of Hard Rock, Ismael Wadi of CAPS United and Junior Zindoga of TS Galaxy.
The squad marks the beginning of a new era under Catalá, who is tasked with guiding Zimbabwe through a demanding AFCON qualifying campaign.
The Warriors are in Group E alongside Sierra Leone, DR Congo and Equatorial Guinea, with the opening double-header against Sierra Leone and DR Congo providing an immediate test for the new coach.
Catalá will be hoping his mixture of experienced internationals, emerging talent and overseas-based players can give Zimbabwe a strong start as the Warriors chase qualification for the 2027 AFCON finals.