Warriors Name Starting XI to Face Rwanda Today Amid Drama in Camp
Johannesburg, South Africa – The Zimbabwe Warriors have announced their starting line-up for today’s 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifier against Rwanda at Orlando Stadium, in a fixture clouded by suspensions and off-field controversy.
Big Absences: Hadebe, Lunga and Nakamba Suspended
The Warriors will be without three senior figures after FIFA confirmed one-match bans for Teenage Hadebe, Divine Lunga, and captain Marvelous Nakamba. The trio accumulated two yellow cards apiece during the campaign, ruling them out of this afternoon’s clash.
Nakamba’s absence has forced coach Michael Nees to hand the armband to Marshall Munetsi, who returns from suspension himself to lead the side.
Kadewere Benched After Incident
Striker Tino Kadewere, usually one of the first names on the team sheet, has been suspended for this match following what insiders describe as a “training-ground flashpoint.”
The fromer Lyon forward allegedly threatened a journalist who questioned his recent form, and though the matter is being handled internally, Nees has opted to remove him from the starting XI.
Debuts for Padera and Ngwenya
Nees has turned to youth, with Prosper Padera making his senior debut in midfield, while Thandolwenkosi Ngwenya, fresh from an impressive COSAFA Cup and a strong start at his new club, earns his first competitive start for the Warriors.
Zimbabwe Starting XI vs Rwanda 🇿🇼⚔️🇷🇼
GK: Washington Arubi
Defence: Emmanuel Jalai, Jordan Zemura, Munashe Garananga
Midfield: Prosper Padera (debut), Marshall Munetsi (c), Gerald Takwara, Knowledge Musona
Attack: Tawanda Chirewa, Thandolwenkosi Ngwenya (debut), Tawanda Maswanhise
Key Talking Points
Musona Returns: The veteran forward slots back into the XI, tasked with guiding the younger attackers.
Midfield Shuffle: With Nakamba out, Munetsi partners Takwara and debutant Padera to provide balance and steel.
Youthful Frontline: Chirewa, Ngwenya, and Maswanhise represent the future of Zimbabwean football — today, they shoulder the responsibility of restoring pride.
Predictions vs Reality
Ahead of this match, predictions pointed to a likely reshuffle given the suspensions. However, few foresaw Kadewere’s dramatic benching, which shifts attacking duties squarely onto Maswanhise and Ngwenya.
Zimbabwe, already out of World Cup contention after the 1-0 defeat to Benin, are now playing for pride and preparation ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
Kick-off is at 3:00 PM CAT at Orlando Stadium.