NEW Zimbabwe Warriors coach Marian Marinica has wasted no time in stamping his authority, naming a fresh 24-man squad which includes Castle Lager Premier Soccer League (PSL) top scorer Washington Navaya for the crucial international friendly matches against Algeria and Qatar next week.
Navaya’s consistent form and goal-scoring prowess could finally be the antidote to the Warriors’ protracted struggles in front of goal.
The 60-year-old Romanian tactician, who was unveiled on Tuesday as the replacement for the departed Michael Nees, faced the immediate task of assembling a competitive side.
These November friendlies are vital for fine-tuning ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifiers set for Morocco in December and January.
Marinica’s first roster suggests a willingness to blend foreign-based talent with the best from the domestic league.
Navaya leads the PSL scoring charts with an impressive 17 goals with only two matches remaining in the season — a tally that has resonated deeply with the Warriors faithful.
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The striker’s exclusion by former coach Nees, despite the team’s alarming failure to score a single goal in their last four matches, had become a lightning rod for fan frustration.
Marinica, it seems, has heeded the loud clamour from the terraces, bringing in a man whose confidence is sky-high.
His inclusion is a clear statement that performance in the local league can be rewarded.
Another headline inclusion is that of Sheffield Wednesday’s versatile midfielder Sean Fusire.
Fusire bounces back into the national team set-up after missing out on the September and October World Cup qualifiers due to a controversial standoff with Zifa.
The previous saga involved allegations of the player making financial demands the association could not meet, claims which the player refuted.
His call-up signals a likely pardon and a fresh start, giving the in-form midfielder a chance to fight for a spot at the Afcon finals.
However, the squad is also notable for the absence of several key players.
Vice-captain Marshall Munetsi (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Khama Billiat (Scottland FC), and Andy Rinomhota, who is currently club-hunting in England, were all omitted.
While Munetsi’s absence will raise eyebrows given his stature, it provides an opportunity for other young midfielders, Fusire, Jonah Fabisch and Prosper Padera, to shine.
The defence remains anchored by familiar faces, including the ever-reliable Teenage Hadebe (FC Cincinnati) and Divine Lunga (Mamelodi Sundowns FC), while FC Copenhagen’s Munashe Garananga offers a youthful option.
Veteran goal-getter Knowledge Musona (Scottland FC) returns to lead the attack alongside Prince Dube and new domestic star Navaya, tasked with reversing the team’s current goal drought.
The friendly matches against powerhouses Algeria and Qatar will serve as a baptism of fire for Marinica and a crucial gauge of the team’s readiness for the Afcon challenge.
With a few new names, a fresh coach and the pressure to finally find the back of the net, all eyes will be on how the Warriors perform under their new guidance.
The era of Marinica has officially begun, and it starts with an immediate focus on goals.
Warriors squad
Goalkeepers: Washington Arubi (Marumo Gallants FC), Elvis Chipezeze (Magesi FC), Martin Mapisa (MWOS FC)
Defenders: Gerald Takwara (Al Ittihad Misurata SC Libya), Munashe Garananga (FC Copenhagen), Godknows Murwira (Scottland FC), Emmanuel Jalai (Dynamos FC), Teenage Hadebe (FC Cincinnati), Divine Lunga (Mamelodi Sundowns FC), Brendan Galloway (Plymouth Argyle FC)
Midfielders: Jonah Fabisch (FC Erzgebirg Aue FC), Tawanda Chirewa (Wolverhampton Wanderers FC), Marvelous Nakamba (Luton Town FC), Sean Fusire (Sheffield Wednesday FC), Prosper Padera (SJK Seina Joki), Jordan Zemura (Udinese), Daniel Msendami (Marumo Gallants FC)
Strikers: Knowledge Musona (Scottland FC), Tymon Machope (Scottland FC), Prince Dube (Young Africans SC), Washington Navaya (TelOne FC), Tawanda Maswanhise (Motherwell FC), Bill Antonio (KV Mechelen FC), Walter Musona (Scottland FC)