Zimbabwe’s national football team is preparing for a crucial pair of international friendlies in June, facing Niger and Burkina Faso as part of their ongoing rebuilding process.
The Warriors are set to use these matches to evaluate a blend of experienced campaigners and promising newcomers as they aim to strengthen their standing on the African stage.
The upcoming friendlies come at a pivotal moment for Zimbabwean football. While not competitive fixtures, they offer the coaching staff a valuable opportunity to test tactical ideas, player fitness, and squad cohesion ahead of future continental competitions.
The national team is focused on fostering a competitive spirit while integrating fresh talent alongside established stars.
Veteran players such as Khama Billiat and Tino Kadewere, both vital figures for Zimbabwe over recent years, have been included in the squad.
Billiat, known for his creativity and leadership, brings invaluable experience from his career in various leagues, including Scotland.
Kadewere, a forward with a proven goal-scoring record in France’s Ligue 1 with Nantes, adds firepower to the attack.
Alongside these seasoned professionals, the team has welcomed several young players who have impressed in domestic and overseas leagues.
Notably, Sheffield Wednesday midfielder Sean Fusire and Brentford goalkeeper Marley Tavaziva have earned call-ups, reflecting the coaching staff’s willingness to invest in emerging talent.
These additions are complemented by a selection of expatriates active in European and South African football, signaling a balanced approach to squad assembly.
The full roster for the double fixture encompasses 23 players across all positions:
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 Nemadmi (Marumo Gallants), Bill Antonio (KV Mechelen)
Forwards:
Prince Dube (Young Africans), Tawanda Maswanhise (Motherwell), Walter Musona (Scottland), Tawanda Macheke (TelOne FC), Tino Kadewere (Nantes)
The selection demonstrates a strategic mix of established internationals and players on the rise, aimed at providing depth and versatility across the pitch.
The coaching staff’s focus will likely be on blending the squad’s experience with the youthful enthusiasm and energy of the newcomers to forge a competitive unit.
Zimbabwe’s encounters with Niger and Burkina Faso will test the team’s adaptability and resilience. Both opponents are respected sides within African football, promising competitive and challenging fixtures that will reveal much about the Warriors’ progress.
With the African football calendar increasingly demanding, these friendlies are essential for Zimbabwe as they seek to enhance their tactical discipline and team chemistry.
The results may not be the sole priority, but performances will be closely scrutinized by the national team’s management and supporters alike.
As preparations continue, the inclusion of both seasoned pros like Billiat and Kadewere alongside promising talents such as Fusire and Tavaziva signals Zimbabwe’s intent to build a team capable of competing at the highest levels across the continent. The upcoming matches provide a stage to showcase this emerging blend and lay the groundwork for future success.
