Macauley Bonne rejoined the Warriors camp this week with the look of a man who had long waited for this moment. After years away from the national team, the Maldon & Tiptree striker has finally made his way back into Zimbabwe’s colours — and he says the connection to home never dimmed.
Bonne, 34, said he worked tirelessly for this return, convinced he still has something meaningful to offer as coach Marian Mario Marinica shapes a new-look Warriors side for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
“Honestly, I love my country,” he said as he settled into the provisional squad. “To play for Zimbabwe at the highest level is an honour I could never turn my back on. We still have so much to achieve, and I believe we can do it.”
The forward added that being back in camp “feels right,” praising the warm reception from fans and teammates.
“I love being home. The atmosphere has been unbelievable. I’m grateful for the welcome I’ve received.”
With years of English football behind him, Bonne believes he brings valuable experience to a squad aiming to build unity and identity ahead of AFCON.
“I think I can help us become a solid, cohesive unit. If we work together, the results will come.”
Malawian Stakeholders Back ‘Super Mario’ – If Zimbabwe Unites Behind Him
While Zimbabwe enter AFCON as heavy underdogs — with the Opta Analyst model giving the Warriors only a 0.26% chance of winning the tournament and predicting a bottom-place finish in Group B — some influential voices in Malawian football believe Marinica could shock the continent.
Malawi, who previously worked with Marinica, credit him for guiding the Flames to the AFCON knockout stages — a campaign in which they famously beat Zimbabwe. They insist he can repeat that magic with the Warriors if the country shows unity.
“Just support him and you will be surprised,” said one Malawian stakeholder. “He took us beyond the group stages, and we don’t have EPL players like you guys. If he did that with us, he can do even better with Zimbabwe.”
Another added that Marinica’s tournament experience gives Zimbabwe a rare edge:
“You have a coach who has already gone past the group stages at AFCON. Mario reads the game very well. If you back him fully, he can take you places.”
AFCON Odds: Zimbabwe Written Off — But The Camp Believes
According to Opta’s latest projections:
Morocco are favourites with 19.6% chance of winning
Egypt follow at 12.75%
Algeria, Senegal and Nigeria complete the top five
South Africa have 2.11%
Angola have 1.21%
Only Botswana (0.12%) have lower odds than Zimbabwe (0.26%)