Nees Looking To Explore Alternative Options In The Upcoming Friendly Matches

Zimbabwe Warriors head coach Michael Nees has opted to bring in several new faces for the upcoming friendly matches against Burkina Faso and Niger while omitting some regular members, signaling a strategic approach to assess talent ahead of future international fixtures.

Squad Overview

Michael Nees has announced a 23-man squad that reflects his intent to evaluate both established players and emerging talents. The decision to omit key players such as Marvelous Nakamba, Nyasha Munetsi, Jordan Zemura, and Divine Lunga has raised eyebrows, but it also presents an opportunity for new players to showcase their abilities on the international stage.

New Faces and Key Returns

Among the notable inclusions are several players who have been given a chance to prove themselves. The squad features:

• Elvis Chipezeze: The goalkeeper returns to the fold after eight years of absence, bringing experience and stability to the defensive line. Chipezeze enjoyed top form with Marumo Gallants managing 10 clean sheets in 25 matches behind Sipho Chaine of Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns’ Ronwen Williams who have 11 clean sheets each.
• Teenage Hadebe: A solid defender, Hadebe’s return is expected to bolster the backline, providing both leadership and defensive prowess. Hadebe has been outstanding in the MLS with Cincinnati and is currently in good form.  He has missed out in recent international matches due to injury and other personal commitments.
• Tinotenda Kadewere: the French-based forward also makes his return to the Warriors after missing out in recent matches. The Nantes forward will be looking to make a big impact in the friendlies to secure a place.
• Daniel Msendami: the Marumo Gallants forward has returned after missing the last two games for the Warriors. He will be eager to nail down a spot in the squad ahead of the upcoming fixtures.
• Jonah Fabisch: The young talent has been granted an opportunity to impress, and his inclusion reflects Nees’ commitment to integrating fresh talent into the squad. Fabisch who only featured once for the Warriors will be hoping to transform his current club form to the international stage. Fabisch has been making huge strides at Germany Division Three side Erzgebirge Aue where he has risen to become a key member of the squad
• Bill Antonio: Known for his attacking flair, Antonio’s return adds depth to the forward line, and he will be eager to make an impact having recovered from a long-term injury that made him miss out on solidifying his place in the national team. Antonio has featured only once for the Warriors before.
• Sean Fusire: the British-born Sheffield United midfielder who recently committed himself to play for Zimbabwe received his first international call-up with the Warriors after he was added to the squad for June friendlies. The 19-year-old has been on loan to Carlisle United where he made 14 appearances and contributed with two assists before returning to his parent club.
• Tawanda Macheke: the former Maritzburg United ( now Durban City F.C ) forward will be tested if he can be able to lead the line for the Warriors,  a position where the team still struggles to find a proper number nine to lead the line for the Warriors. Despite the goals, Macheke has been influential for TelOne F.C. and is one of the outstanding players in the league so far.

These players, alongside the new faces, will be looking to seize their chance to impress Nees and secure their places in the squad for future competitive matches.

Omitted Regulars

The absence of regulars such as Andy Rinomhota, Marvelous Nakamba, Nyasha Munetsi, Jordan Zemura, Tawanda Chirewa, Divine Lunga, Knowledge Musona, and reserve goalie Martin Mapisa is a notable aspect of this squad selection. Each of these players has been a staple in the Warriors’ lineup, and their omission suggests a tactical shift or a desire to explore alternative options. Nees may be looking to assess the depth of his squad and identify potential replacements or new strategies ahead of more critical fixtures.

Strategic Implications

Nees’ decision to experiment with the squad comes at a crucial time as the Warriors prepare for upcoming international competitions. The friendly matches against Burkina Faso and Niger on the 6th and 10th June respectively, will serve as a vital platform for assessing player performance and team dynamics. The coach’s willingness to incorporate new talent indicates a forward-thinking approach

GOALKEEPERS:

Washington Arubi (Marumo Gallants), Elvis Chipezeze (Magesi), Marley Tavaziva (Brentford)

DEFENDERS:

Teenage Hadebe (Cincinnati)
Gerald Takwara (Al Minaa SC)
Munashe Garananga (FC Copenhagen)
Isheanesu Mauchio (Simba Bhora)
Peter Muduhwa (Scottland)
Godknows Murwira (Scottland)
Emmanuel Jalai (Dynamos)

MIDFIELDERS:

Mthokozisi Msebe (Scottland)
Khama Billiat (Scottland)
Richard Hachiro (Ngezi Platinum)
Jonah Fabisch (FC Aue)
Donald Mudadi (Simba Bhora)
Sean Fusire (Sheffield Wednesday)
Daniel Msendami (Marumo Gallants)
Bill Antonio (K.V. Mechelen)

FORWARDS:

Prince Dube (Young Africans)
Tawanda Maswanhise (Motherwell)
Walter Musona (Scottland)
Tawanda Macheke (TelOne FC)
Tino Kadewere (Nantes)

The Warriors are preparing for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers in September and the Africa Cup of Nations finals in Morocco in December.