Zimbabwe’s national football team coach Michael Knees has announced his squad for the Warriors’ upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers against Benin and Rwanda, fixtures that could prove decisive for the team’s campaign. The matches are scheduled for September 5 and September 9, respectively.
Key Absentees
While the squad is considered strong, it will miss the presence of some big names. Veteran attacker Khama Billiat, who recently reignited his career at Yadah FC, has been ruled out through injury. Rising star Marley Tavaziva is also sidelined, leaving a gap in the forward line. Midfielder Andy Rinomhota, meanwhile, was not included as he is finalising a move to a new club in Europe.
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Coach Knees acknowledged these setbacks but expressed confidence that the assembled group has the talent and balance to compete effectively.
Group C Standings
The Warriors’ campaign so far has been underwhelming, and they find themselves at the bottom of Group C with only four points. South Africa lead the table with 13 points, followed by Rwanda and Benin tied on 8 points each. Nigeria are in fourth with 7 points, while Lesotho sit above Zimbabwe on 6 points.
With only a few matches left in the qualifying campaign, Zimbabwe’s chances of making it to the global showpiece hang by a thread. These next two fixtures are being viewed as must-win encounters if the Warriors are to revive their hopes.
Zimbabwe Squad Breakdown
Knees’ squad features a mix of seasoned campaigners and emerging stars from both local and international clubs.
Goalkeepers:
- Washington Arubi (Marumo Gallants)
- Elvis Chipeseze (Magesi)
- Martin Mapisa (MWOS)
Defenders:
4. Gerald Takwara (Al Minaa)
5. Munashe Garananga (FC Copenhagen)
6. Teenage Hadebe (FC Cincinnati)
7. Brandon Galloway (Plymouth Argyle)
8. Godknows Murwira (Scotland FC)
9. Emmanuel Jalai (Dynamos FC)
10. Jordan Zemura (Udinese Calcio)
11. Divine Lunga (Mamelodi Sundowns)
Midfielders:
12. Marshall Munetsi (Wolves)
13. Marvelous Nakamba (Luton Town)
14. Jonah Fabisch (FC Erzgebirg Aue)
15. Sean Fusire (Sheffield Wednesday)
16. Prosper Padera (SJK, Finland)
17. Tawanda Chirewa (Wolves)
18. Knowledge Musona (Scotland FC)
Forwards:
19. Terrence Dzukamanja (Scotland FC)
20. Bill Antonio (KV Mechelen)
21. Tawanda Maswanhise (Motherwell FC)
22. Walter Musona (Scotland FC)
23. Tino Kadewere (Aris Saloniki)
24. Thando Ngwenya (AmaZulu)
Experience Meets Youth
The Warriors will lean on experienced internationals such as Teenage Hadebe, Marvellous Nakamba, and Marshall Munetsi to provide leadership, while players like Jordan Zemura and Tino Kadewere are expected to offer attacking thrust and creativity.
At the same time, Knees has included younger talents such as Tawanda Maswanhise and Sean Fusire, giving them an opportunity to prove themselves on the big stage. The inclusion of Europe-based youngsters signals a forward-thinking approach aimed at building depth for future tournaments.
Pressure to Deliver
The upcoming clashes are being viewed as pivotal not just for Zimbabwe’s qualification prospects, but also for Knees’ tenure as head coach. With pressure mounting from fans and football administrators alike, the Warriors must show resilience and hunger to turn their campaign around.
For supporters, the mood is a blend of cautious optimism and scepticism. Social media debates have already highlighted concerns about the absence of key players, but many remain hopeful that the mix of experience and fresh legs could produce a turnaround.
Road Ahead
Zimbabwe face Benin first on September 5, followed by Rwanda four days later. Both matches will be fiercely contested, with the Warriors needing nothing less than victories to revive slim hopes of qualification.
Beyond the results, these games are also about restoring pride and confidence in the national team. The squad named by Knees reflects an effort to strike the right balance, but the real test will be whether the players can execute under pressure.
For now, the message is clear: Zimbabwe must fight with unity and determination if they are to keep their World Cup dream alive.
