The Zimbabwe senior national football team, the Warriors, is preparing for a crucial start to its 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualification campaign, but preparations have been dealt a significant blow due to injuries to key personnel. Head coach Ramon Catala has finalised his squad for the opening two encounters against Sierra Leone and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), yet the team will be without the services of influential utility man Jordan Zemura.
The 26-year-old Zemura, currently plying his trade in the English Championship with Watford, suffered a fresh injury during a league clash against Stoke City at the weekend. The setback occurred after only 42 minutes of play, leading to him being stretchered off during the 1-2 defeat at Vicarage Road. This is a recurring issue for the player, who previously missed the 2025 AFCON finals held in Morocco due to a muscular problem. Zemura had also faced a similar misfortune just before the March international window when the Warriors participated in a Four Nations tournament in Botswana.
Expressing his frustration via social media, Zemura wrote: “Thought I found that old me again, unfortunately not; see you guys soon. God help me.” While Watford have not yet provided a comprehensive update on the nature and duration of his recovery, the timing of the injury has forced the technical team to look elsewhere to bolster the squad.
The coaching staff also faced another difficult selection decision regarding the veteran forward and former Warriors captain, Knowledge Musona. Musona has been omitted from the squad after sustaining a hamstring injury two weeks ago while featuring for domestic champions Scottland in a league match against FC Platinum. Norman Mapeza, the Scottland coach, confirmed the severity of the forward’s condition, which has already sidelined him from his club’s successful two-legged CAF Champions League preliminary round tie against Eswatini side Nsingizini Hotspurs. Addressing the situation, Mapeza noted, “So, the scan reveals that he’s going to be out for the next two weeks. That’s the situation with Knowledge.”
Despite these personnel challenges, Catala has maintained confidence in his core group of players. Marvelous Nakamba, now based in Greece with Panetolikos, remains a central figure in the squad. Vice-captain Marshall Munetsi is also included, alongside Tawanda Maswanhise, Bill Antonio, and Tawanda Chirewa. Seeking to add firepower to his attacking options, the coach has called up Thando Ngwenya, who has been in exceptional form in South Africa, leading the Golden Boot race with seven goals. Tino Kadewere, currently playing in Greece, has also been included in the selection.
The local league has contributed significantly to the squad, with the Scottland club providing several players, including goalkeeper Nelson Chadya, defenders Peter Muduhwa, Emmanuel Jalai, and Kelvin Moyo, as well as midfielder Abubakar Moffat. However, the selection process saw some notable absences; there was no place for Highlanders’ impressive performer Mongameli Tshuma or the high-scoring Washington Navaya from Hardrock. Conversely, Prince Dube has been selected following a promising start to his tenure with the Kwekwe outfit.
The Warriors are scheduled to begin their quest for a place at the continental finals against Sierra Leone on September 24. This match will take place at the Ben M’Hamed Stadium in El Jadida, Morocco, as the West Africans have opted to use a neutral venue due to the lack of a CAF-approved stadium in their own country.
Following this opening fixture, Zimbabwe will return home for their second assignment against the DRC on September 28. This match will be held at the National Sports Stadium, which has recently been homologated to meet CAF standards. The encounter is set to be an evening kick-off, marking a return to competitive international football on home soil.
As the Warriors prepare to enter camp, their opponents are already well into their own preparations. The Sierra Leone national team, known as the Leone Stars, has been holding a training camp with locally based players for the past two weeks under the guidance of head coach Didier Gomes Da Rosa.
The full squad selected by Catala reflects a balance between established international campaigners and rising talent, aiming to navigate the group successfully despite the early setback regarding key players like Zemura and Musona.
Warriors Squad Selection
Goalkeepers Elvis Chipeze (Magesi), Martin Mapisa (Hardrock), Nelson Chadya (Scottland).
Defenders Divine Lunga (Mamelodi Sundowns), Munashe Garananga (Lyngby BK), Corbin Mthunzi (Ipswich Town), Shane Maroodza (Sarajevo), Sean Fusire (Sheffield Wednesday), Emmanuel Jalai (Scottland), Peter Muduhwa (Scottland), Kevin Moyo (Scottland), Isaac Mabaya (Liverpool).
Midfielders Marshall Munetsi (Wolves), Andy Rinomhota (Reading F.C), Abubakar Moffat (Scottland), Marvellous Nakamba (Panetolikos), Prosper Padera (SJK Seinajoki).
Forwards Thando Ngwenya (Amazulu), Tawanda Chirewa (Wolves), Bill Antonio (KV Mechelen), Daniel Msendami (Marumo Gallants), Tawanda Maswanhise (Motherwell), Prince Dube (Hardrock), Tino Kadewere (Aris Salonica).