Zimbabwe have assembled a squad packed with South African experience as they prepare to face Bafana Bafana and Lesotho in their final 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches this month.
Coach Michael Nees has selected four players currently active in the Betway Premiership and a further seven who previously plied their trade in South Africa, giving the Warriors a strong local knowledge base as they gear up for the Durban showdown against Bafana.
Zimbabwe will “host” South Africa at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on October 10 before travelling to Polokwane to take on Lesotho three days later. The Warriors have already been eliminated from the qualification race but will be eager to end on a competitive note.
Among those with PSL connections are AmaZulu striker Thando Ngwenya and Marumo Gallants’ veteran goalkeeper Washington Arubi, both of whom started the recent 1-0 defeat to Rwanda. Mamelodi Sundowns left-back Divine Lunga returns from injury, while Elvis Chipezeze of Magesi is listed among the goalkeeping options.
Big names Khama Billiat and Knowledge Musona also return to the fold, rekindling memories for South African fans who watched them shine in the PSL. Terrence Dzvukamanja (ex-SuperSport United, now with Scottland) and Walter Musona (formerly Polokwane City and Sekhukhune United) add further South African flavour.
The defence includes Teenage Hadebe, who once turned out for Kaizer Chiefs, and Gerald Takwara, a former Ajax Cape Town stalwart. Midfield strength comes from Marshall Munetsi, who previously wore Orlando Pirates colours and now plays in England.
Even the technical bench carries South African know-how: Kaitano Tembo, ex-SuperSport and Sekhukhune coach, joins Nees’ backroom staff as assistant.
With so many players familiar with South African football and conditions, Zimbabwe will be hoping to use that insider knowledge to their advantage when they meet Hugo Broos’ side in Durban.
Squad
Goalkeepers: Washington Arubi (Marumo Gallants, South Africa), Elvis Chipezeze (Magesi, South Africa), Martin Mapisa (Moors World of Sport FC)
Defenders: Brandon Galloway (Plymouth Argyle, England), Munashe Garananga (FC Copenhagen, Denmark), Teenage Hadebe (FC Cincinnati, USA), Emmanuel Jalai (Dynamos), Divine Lunga (Mamelodi Sundowns, South Africa), Godknows Murwira (Scottland), Gerald Takwara (Al Ittihad Misurata, Libya), Jordan Zemura (Udinese, Italy)
Midfielders: Tawanda Chirewa (Wolverhampton Wanderers, England), Jonah Fabisch (Erzgebirg Aue, Germany), Marshall Munetsi (Wolverhampton Wanderers, England), Knowledge Musona (Scottland), Marvelous Nakamba (Luton Town, England)
Strikers: Bill Antonio (KV Mechelen, Belgium), Khama Billiat (Scottland), Prince Dube (Young Africans, Tanzania), Terrence Dzvukamanja (Scottland), Tawanda Maswanhise (Motherwell, Scotland), Walter Musona (Scottland), Thando Ngwenya (AmaZulu, South Africa).