Five Players With A Possibility Of Breaking Into The National Team Ahead Of The Upcoming Fixtures
As the Zimbabwe Warriors gear up for the World Cup qualifiers against Benin and Nigeria in March, several emerging talents have been making waves in domestic and international football, and they could potentially break into the national team. Here are five players who could earn a call-up ahead of the upcoming fixtures:
1. Bill Antonio (Kv Mechelen), Belgium
- Position: Forward
- Current Form: Bill Antonio has been making headlines with his impressive performances for Kv Mechelen ever since he recovered from injury. As a versatile forward, Antonio possesses the ability to play across the front line, making him a valuable asset for any team. His pace, dribbling skills, and eye for goal have contributed to his success at the Belgian side where he is mostly deployed as a winger. With his recent form, Antonio could provide the Warriors with the attacking flair needed to compete at the highest level in all international assignments.
- National Team Impact: With Zimbabwe Warriors’ attacking options often inconsistent, Antonio’s inclusion could provide the team with the firepower needed to compete against top teams like Benin and Nigeria.
2. Abubakar Moffat Motril F.C (Spain)
- Position: Defensive midfielder
- Current Form: Moffat is one of the good midfielders in the country but is often overlooked. The former Zimbabwe under-23 player has been instrumental for Motril in the Spanish Tercera Federacio Group 9, contributing both defensively and offensively. His ability to win possession in the midfield and good ball distribution has made him one of the most effective players in the Third RFEF (Spanish Fifth Tier) helping Motril to get into the playoff position after 22 games.
- National Team Impact: As a key player for Motril, Moffat’s experience and skill will be crucial for the Zimbabwe Warriors’s ambitions in the upcoming fixtures including the Afcon finals in December. Moffat could be a perfect backup for Marvelous Nakamba and could add depth to the midfield where the Warriors have Andy Rinomhota and Nyasha Munetsi.
3. Lucien Mahovo Norwich City (England)
- Position: Left-back
- Current Form: Mahovo has been a revelation for Norwich City in the Championship League, showcasing his versatility, composure, and creativity that made him a mainstay in the first team where he has started in five games so far. His ability to withstand the physical test of senior football has made him a standout performer for City.
- National Team Impact: Zimbabwe Warriors has enough depth in the left-back position with Jordan Zemura, Brendan Galloway, Godknows Murwira, and Divine Lunga all competing to fill up the position, but Mahovo’s uniqueness and versatility could qualify him for a position anywhere in the back four or the midfield. With his young energy, Mahovo could bring the spark needed to propel the Warriors into a formidable side.
4. Kundai Benyu (Caps United), Zimbabwe
- Position: Midfielder
- Current Form: Despite being out of competitive football for a while, Benyu looks set to bounce back at Caps United where he is currently training ahead of the new season. His experience and technical qualities are invaluable for any team.
- National Team Impact: As a former AFCON player with the Warriors in the Cameroon finals in 2021, Benyu’s presence could galvanize the national side with his experience. Although Benin and Nigeria are a too close call for the former Glasgow Celtic youngster who has not yet played competitive football for a while, is surely one of the likely options to get into the national team as soon as the local league kicks off.
5. Prince Dube (Young Africans), Tanzania
Position: Forward
Current Form: Although Dube has been a part of the national setup, his recent performances in the Tanzania Premier League have shown that he can be a game-changer for the Warriors. His pace, technical ability, and knack for finding the back of the net make him a valuable asset. If he continues to impress at Yanga, he could solidify his place in the starting XI.
National Team Impact: With the Warriors currently struggling for goals, Dube’s inclusion could be the panacea to the team’s goal drought as the former Highlanders forward picks up his scoring form at Young Africans where he has now scored consecutively in the past two games, and has nine goals in 23 matches so far with more than 12 goal involvements.
Zimbabwe will resume their 2026 World Cup qualification bid with a home encounter against Benin on the 20th of March at Moses Mabhida stadium in Durban, South Africa before traveling to Nigeria to face the Super Eagles.
They will then play Benin and Rwanda in the September international break before hosting South Africa and Lesotho away in October for the World Cup qualifiers where they are anchoring Group C with only two points from four matches.
In December, the Warriors are playing in the Africa Cup of Nations finals in Morocco where they will battle Egypt, Angola, and South Africa respectively.
