Warriors head coach Michael Nees has confirmed that several new players are now under consideration for future national team call-ups, following impressive displays in both the 2025 COSAFA Cup and recent international friendlies in Morocco.
Nees, who oversaw the friendlies against Burkina Faso and Niger, worked with a squad made up largely of fringe players, fresh faces, and returnees from injury. Meanwhile, the COSAFA Cup squad—primarily comprised of Under-20 players—was led by Zimbabwe U20 head coach Simon Marange.
Speaking after Zimbabwe’s 1–1 draw with Niger on Tuesday, Nees expressed satisfaction with the progress made, singling out Germany-based midfielder Jonah Fabisch for praise.
“We were looking at new options, including within the COSAFA Cup team,” Nees said. “I think we’ve lacked depth in central midfield, and Fabisch showed he can compete at this level.”
The German coach also highlighted a number of standout performers from the COSAFA squad, noting that their emergence has bolstered competition for places in the senior team.
“This has given us the depth we needed. Now everyone must step up over the next six months,” he added. “To make the squad for AFCON, it’s going to be tough. I can’t experiment anymore.”
Zimbabwe has secured qualification for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), set to take place in Morocco this December.