CHENGETAI NYAMUSHONYONGORA
In a refreshing turn of events, Zimbabwean football is abuzz with excitement as the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) took an unprecedented step of announcing a provisional 28-member squad for the upcoming 2026 FIFA Men's World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Nigeria in Rwanda 15 days before the start of the first game.
Football enthusiasts across the nation are teeming with enthusiasm at the prospect of seeing the Warriors take the pitch on the global stage again after the 18 month ban was lifted by FIFA in July.
What is particularly striking about this development is the newfound professionalism displayed by ZIFA, from early squad announcements to clear and transparent communication with the public. It is a break from the past, where uncertainty and last-minute changes were the norm.
However, loyal fans, who have experienced their fair share of heartbreak, are cautiously optimistic, knowing that ZIFA has the potential to shatter their dreams at any moment. One recent incident served as a stark reminder of this unpredictability.
During the last international break, ZIFA organized an exhibition match against Botswana, intending to evaluate players ahead of the forthcoming international fixtures scheduled from November 15 to 19. Fans were thrilled at the prospect of a thrilling encounter.
Unfortunately, their hopes were dashed when the friendly match was inexplicably cancelled.
The silver lining, however, was that the players underwent an intensive training week under the watchful eyes of the coaches, culminating in a match against a selected D1 side, which they unfortunately lost 3-0.
Despite these hiccups, the squad unveiled by ZIFA holds the promise of a brighter footballing future. The coaching staff's inclusion of several talented young players, poised to take over from the current generation, is a cause for celebration.
Many of these budding stars are plying their trade at reputable clubs in England and other foreign leagues, providing an injection of quality into the national team.
Isaac Mabaya, a promising 19-year-old defender, has been steadily making strides towards earning a spot in Jurgen Klopp's first-team set up.. Joining him is the composed 26-year-old midfielder, Andy Rinomhota, currently showcasing his skills at Cardiff City in the English Championship.
In an exciting turn of events, the 17-year-old Wolves striker, Leon Chiwome, has been introduced into the mix. Tawanda Maswanhise, the young sensation who earned the praises of his former gaffer Brendan Rodgers, has finally earned his place in the ranks, after several earlier attempts by the outgoing team manager, Wellington Mpandare. Even Tivonge Rushesha, a player who has been a long-term target for ZIFA management, has finally received a call-up to the team.
Not to be overlooked, the provisional squad also boasts the talents of the youthful dou of goalkeepers, Martin Mapisa, who plies his trade in Spain, and Marley Tavaziva of Brentford FC.
The return of the midfield duo of veterans like Marvelous Nakamba and the in-form Marshal Munetsi adds an exciting dimension to the squad.
Furthermore, the recovery of Teenage Hadebe and Brandan Galloway from long-term injuries a few months ago has them eager to put another professional shift to the Warriors.
Additionally, the in form Bulawayo Chiefs striker Obriel Chirinda, who captained and scored for the team in the Botswana Independence Cup match, has been retained by the technical staff.
Tinotenda Kadewere's inclusion in the squad brings anticipation as fans eagerly await the day he fully introduces himself to his fervent supporters.
This squad is a well-balanced mix between foreign-based and domestic players, marking a notable shift from the previous overreliance on South African league players like Khama Billiat, Willard Katsande, Talent Chawapiwa, Evans Rusike, Knox Mutizwa Dani Phiri, Onismor Bhasera, Cuthbert Malajila, and numerous other renowned figures from the former ABSA Premier League.
The inclusion of 7 players from the local league also addressed the concerns by fans of overlooking top performers in the domestic competition.
While there are many factors at play, the "Mourinho effect" is believed to have played a significant role in convincing young talents to commit to the Warriors. A
The current head coach, Baltimar Brito, shares a close friendship with "The Special One," and the two previously worked together, with Brito working as Mourinho’s assistant together with Rui Faria during their successful days at FC Porto.
Brito was Mourinho’s. It also worked its magic on previously reluctant senior players like Andy Rinomhota and Tendayi Darikwa, who had stayed away due to concerns over administrative issues.
One question that still lingers is whether these promising young talents and new faces in the squad have obtained the necessary passports and documents to represent Zimbabwe.
The fact that these players have been included in the squad must mean ZIFA has done the ground work to bring them to play for their nations. In the past, fans have eagerly anticipated the inclusion of players such as Macauley Bonne, currently representing Gillingham in England's League One.
However, these players were often denied the opportunity to play for the Warriors due to a variety of unjustifiable reasons, some because their passports and necessary documents were yet to be availed by ZIFA.
With the new passport issuance process, which promises an express passport in under 48 hours, there's hope that bureaucratic hurdles won't hinder the national team's progress.
As the Warriors gear up for their journey toward the 2026 FIFA Men's World Cup, the nation watches with bated breath, hopeful that this time, the promise and excitement won't be extinguished, but rather fulfilled on the grandest stage of them all.
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