Warriors coach Michael Nees has refused to thrown in the towel in Zimbabwe’s quest to book at the place at the 2026 World Cup, saying his charges will fight till the very end.
Qualification for the World Cup has evaded Zimbabwe since independence in 1980, and the Warriors need a quasi-magical act to break that jinx, as they anchor Group C with two points from their opening four matches.
The next edition of the global spectacle will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico and despite the uphill task that lies ahead to be there, Nees insists it’s still possible.
“Of course there is hope, you can realistic hope, not with talking, but with performance on the pitch. Not with big mouth statements but with a little bit of diplomacy,” Nees told the media at the Warriors squad announcement this morning.
“There is also need for a bit of humbleness and respect for the opponent. We have a big challenge ahead, that is Benin.
“If you look at their (Benin) results in recent years, they have had some extraordinary results. They also qualified for AFCON and they have an experienced coach I have known for the past 30 years, they deserve all the respect.
“We are not in the best position obviously, we don’t need to lie to ourselves- two points and a minus four goal difference but there are still 18 points to play for and we will play until the end,” added Nees.
The Warriors host Benin at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban on March 20, before taking on the Super Eagles of Nigeria in Uyo, fours days.
Warriors Squad for World Cup Qualifiers:
Goalkeepers:
Washington Arubi (Marumo Gallants)
Martin Mapisa (MWOS FC)
Marley Tavaziva(Brentford )
Defenders:
Jordan Zemura(Udinese)
Godknows Murwira(Scottland FC)
Emmanuel Jalai (Dynamos)
Devine Lunga (Sundowns)
Gerald Takwara(Al Minaa)
Munashe Garan’anga(FC Copenhagen)
Isheanesu Mauchi(Simba Bhora)
Peter Muduhwa(Scottland FC)
Midfielders:
Khama Billiat (Scotland FC )
Marshall Munetsi (Wolves)
Andy Rinomhota (Cardiff City)
Marvellous Nakamba (Luton Town)
Mthokozisi Msebe (Scottland FC)
Knowledge Musona (Al-Kholood)
Tawanda Chirewa (Huddersfield Town)
Forwards:
Prince Dube (Young Africans)
Tawanda Maswanhise (Motherwell)
Terrence Dzvukamanja (SuperSport)
Tymon Machope(Scottland FC)
Walter Musona (Scottland FC)
