Zimbabwe head coach Michael Nees has left out three notable names from his latest Warriors squad for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers against Benin and Rwanda.
Announcing the squad on Thursday, Nees confirmed that Khama Billiat and young goalkeeper Marley Tavaziva will both miss out due to injuries, while midfielder Andy Rinomhota requested to be excused as he is finalising a move to a new club.
In Tavaziva’s absence, Nees has turned to experienced shot-stopper Elvis Chipezeze of Magesi FC, who made his return to the national setup during June’s friendlies.
The 24-man squad also features some exciting young talent, including KV Mechelen winger Bill Antonio, Germany-based midfielder Jonah Fabisch, Finland-based prospect Prosper Padera, and Sheffield Wednesday’s Sean Fusire – all of whom impressed in the Warriors’ last international window.
There is also good news for Zimbabwe fans as captain Marvelous Nakamba returns after recovering from injury, having missed the previous qualifiers.
The Warriors face Benin on 5 September at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, with the tie set for 5:00 PM CAT. The match will be played at a neutral venue as Benin currently do not have a CAF-approved stadium.
Zimbabwe will then “host” Rwanda at another neutral venue, Orlando Stadium in Johannesburg, on Tuesday, 9 September, kicking off at 3:00 PM CAT.
Zimbabwe Warriors Squad – 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers (vs Benin, Rwanda)
Goalkeepers
Washington Arubi (Marumo Gallants), Elvis Chipezeze (Magesi), Martin Mapisa (MWOS)
Defenders
Gerald Takwara (Al Minaa), Munashe Garananga (FC Copenhagen), Teenage Hadebe (FC Cincinnati), Brandon Galloway (Plymouth Argyle), Godknows Murwira (Scotland FC), Emanuel Jalai (Dynamos), Jordan Zemura (Udinese), Divine Lunga (Mamelodi Sundowns)
Midfielders
Marshall Munetsi (Wolves), Marvelous Nakamba (Luton Town), Jonah Fabisch (FC Erzgebirge Aue), Sean Fusire (Sheffield Wednesday), Prosper Padera (SJK – Finland), Tawanda Chirewa (Wolves), Knowledge Musona (Scotland FC)
Forwards
Terrence Dzvukamanja (Scotland FC), Bill Antonio (KV Mechelen), Tawanda Maswanhise (Motherwell), Walter Musona (Scotland FC), Tino Kadewere (Aris Thessaloniki), Thando Ngwenya (AmaZulu)