Why Jonah Fabisch inclusion in Warriors squad is a tough row to hoe
Jonah Fabisch’s inclusion in the Zimbabwe Warriors squad for the back-to-back 2027 AFCON qualifiers against Equatorial Guinea is proving a tough row to hoe for coach Ramon Catala, following worrying comments by Golden Arrows coach Mandla Ncikazi.
Fabisch, 25, joined Arrows from German fourth-tier side FC Erzgebirge Aue ahead of the 2026/27 season. He has yet to feature for Abafana Bes’thende after sustaining an injury in pre-season.
Arrows coach Ncikazi addressed Fabisch’s fitness after his side’s Carling Knockout Cup tie against Mamelodi Sundowns on Wednesday, saying the club will submit a medical report to ZIFA.
“Our medical team are going to write a medical report to ZIFA. I have seen him train, but the extent of his injury is not clear. The medics discussed with me and told me about his condition, but I don’t know how long his rehabilitation will take,” Ncikazi said.
The statement has intensified scrutiny of Fabisch’s inclusion. Ncikazi did not confirm a return date, nor did he confirm that Fabisch has been cleared for full training or competitive football.
Fabisch was named in Catala’s squad for the two qualifiers, but his participation remains subject to medical clearance from Arrows. ZIFA had not, by the time of publication, issued an update on his status.
The selection has been questioned on the basis of match fitness. Fabisch has no competitive appearances in the Betway Premiership this season, no minutes in cup competition, and no confirmed timeline for his return to play.
Daniel Msendami at Orlando Pirates training. Picture by Orlando Pirates
DANIEL MSENDAMI IN A SIMILAR SITUATION
Daniel Msendami, 26, faces a similar situation. Msendami is on loan to Marumo Gallants from Orlando Pirates. His registration at Gallants has still not been completed. His only appearances this campaign came for Pirates before the loan move, two in the Betway Premiership and one in the CAF Champions League.
The pair were both drafted into Catala’s squad for the back-to-back ties, but are now expected to be cut. Critics of the selections have pointed to the availability of in-form alternatives. Highlanders FC midfielder Mongameli Tshuma is in line to replace Fabisch if he is withdrawn.
Dynamos FC’s Leeroy Mavunga, CAPS United’s Ishmael Wadi and Scottland FC‘s Walter Musona were all named in the preliminary squad and are in contention to replace Msendami. All three are currently playing regularly for their clubs in the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League.
MASSIVE SCRUTINY ON RAMON CATALA’S TEAM SELECTION
Ramon Catala with ZIFA president Nqobile Magwizi. Picture by Fanzone
The contrast, according to observers, is central to the criticism of Catala, two players without regular minutes were preferred over players with current form and fitness.
Catala has not publicly explained the criteria used to select Fabisch and Msendami. ZIFA has also not commented on whether fitness, medical reports or recent playing time were considered before the squad was announced.
Zimbabwe will face Equatorial Guinea on 13 November at the Stade Ahmadou Ahidjo in Yaounde, Cameroon, before hosting the second leg on 16 November at the National Sports Stadium in Harare.
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