In a strategic move, Zimbabwe’s national football team, the Warriors, are set to begin their Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) preparations earlier than usual, with a December training camp confirmed for local based players.
The early camp, approved by football authorities, marks a significant shift in Zimbabwe’s traditional build up to major tournaments. It grants head coach Mario ‘Super Mario’ Marinica invaluable time to work with his squad an opportunity seldom afforded in previous campaigns.
With the Premier Soccer League season concluding this weekend, domestic players will report immediately for camp. This ensures uninterrupted training time ahead of the 2025 AFCON finals in Morocco, where Zimbabwe faces a stern Group B test against Egypt, Angola and neighbours South Africa.
For Marinica, who has only had brief glimpses of his team in recent friendlies against Algeria and Qatar, this extended period is crucial.
Marinica will use the first phase of camp to assess local talent, refine tactical plans, and build squad chemistry elements often cited as missing in previous Warriors AFCON appearances. Zimbabwe has exited at the group stage in its last five attempts, and the technical team is determined to reverse that trend.
A source involved in the planning confirmed that logistics are well underway.
“The association recognises the importance of beginning the training camp early so the coach has enough time to assess the squad,
Everything has been agreed on, and if all goes well, camp will open in early December with local players reporting first. The foreign-based players will join later depending on their club schedules, “the insider said.
The inclusion of foreign based stars will come later, aligning with their club commitments. Until then, Marinica and his technical team are set to drill the home based contingent in what could be a turning point for Zimbabwe’s football ambitions.
-The Herald