2026 World Cup Qualifiers: Zimbabwe announce squad for South Africa and Lesotho games

Zimbabwe head coach Michael Nees has unveiled his squad for the Warriors’ upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying fixtures against South Africa and Lesotho.

The Warriors will open their campaign this month with a clash against Bafana Bafana on Friday, October 10, at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban, a venue serving as their temporary “home” ground due to Zimbabwe’s lack of FIFA-approved stadiums.

Zimbabwe, still searching for their first victory in Group C, have endured a tough qualifying run, recording four defeats and four draws from eight matches.

With only two games remaining, Nees will be desperate to end the campaign on a positive note.

Three days after their meeting with Hugo Broos’ South Africa, Zimbabwe will face Lesotho at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane. That encounter is also being staged outside Lesotho, as the host nation does not have a FIFA-compliant venue.

Nees has named a strong squad headlined by the return of former Kaizer Chiefs forward Khama Billiat, who missed the last two matches.

Experienced striker Knowledge Musona also makes the list, alongside former Orlando Pirates duo Terrence Dzukamanja and Marshall Munetsi.

The selection further includes a number of players plying their trade in South Africa’s Betway Premiership.

Among them are Mamelodi Sundowns left-back Devine Lunga, Marumo Gallants goalkeeper Washington Arubi, Magesi FC shot-stopper Elvis Chipezeze, and AmaZulu defender Thando Ngwenya.

HAPPENING NOW: Warriors Squad Announcement ⚽🇿🇼

The Coach has named his Warriors squad set to face South Africa and Lesotho in the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers.#ZIFA #Zimbabwe #SouthAfrica #Lesotho #Warriors #FIFA #WorldCup #Qualifiers#SquadAnnouncement #Football… pic.twitter.com/EWPvRPjFkM

— Zimbabwe Football Association (@online_zifa) September 30, 2025