IN a move signalling a fresh direction for the national team, former FC Platinum striker Thando Ngwenya and midfielder Prosper Padera have been named in the Warriors’ 24-man squad for the upcoming 2026 Fifa World Cup qualifiers.
The Warriors are set to face Benin and Rwanda as they look to revive their campaign and build for the future.
The team will travel to Ivory Coast to play Benin next Friday before heading to South Africa, where they will host Rwanda on September 9 at the Orlando Stadium in Johannesburg.
Both Zimbabwe and Benin are playing their home matches on neutral ground, as they do not have Caf-approved stadiums.
With a mountain to climb in Group C — they currently sit at the bottom with just four points — the team's chances of reaching the World Cup finals are slim.
But for coach Michael Nees, there is more to play for.
They are a vital ground for new players and a crucial step in preparing the squad for the Africa Cup of Nations finals in December.
The call-ups for Ngwenya and Padera are a direct result of their eye-catching performances at this year’s Cosafa Cup, where they starred for the Warriors’ development squad.
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Ngwenya, a 22-year-old who scored nine goals for his former club FC Platinum before leaving for South Africa, has been on a remarkable run.
His two goals at the Cosafa tournament not only earned him a spot in the competition's best first-round XI but also secured him a two-year deal with South African Betway Premiership side Amazulu.
He has already found the back of the net for his new club, scoring in Wednesday's 1-1 league draw against Sekhukhune United.
Equally impressive is 18-year-old Padera, who was also a bright spark in midfield at the Cosafa tournament.
The young talent, who plays for Finnish club SJK Seinäjoki, once won the best player award at the Marvelous Nakamba Tournament.
Now, in what can only be described as a dream come true, he will get to share a dressing room with Nakamba himself, who has also been named in the squad.
Nees has also brought in other promising players who have recently impressed, including Jonah Fabisch, Sean Fusire and Bill Antonio. The trio delivered a strong performance in the team's friendly matches in June.
While the squad is brimming with new faces, some familiar ones are missing.
Warriors poster boy Khama Billiat and goalkeeper Marley Tavaziva have been sidelined with injuries. Midfield kingpin Andy Rinomhota is also out, as he is currently finalising a move to a new club after leaving English side Cardiff in June.
Despite his team’s relegation, Rinomhota had a standout season and was named the Players' Player of the Season.
The 28-year-old is now on the hunt for his next challenge.
Warriors squad
Goalkeepers: Washington Arubi, Elvis Chipezeze, Martin Mapisa
Defenders: Gerald Takwara, Munashe Garananga, Teenage Hadebe, Brandon Galloway, Godknows Murwira, Emmanuel Jalai
Jordan Zemura, Divine Lunga
Midfielders: Marshall Munetsi, Marvelous Nakamba, Jonah Fabisch, Sean Fusire, Prosper Padera
Forwards: Tawanda Chirewa, Knowledge Musona, Terrence Dzvukamanja, Bill Antonio, Tawanda Maswanhise, Walter Musona, Tino Kadewere, Thando Ngwenya.
