WARRIORS head coach Marian Marinica has set his sights on a historic long-term goal, revealing that his primary mission is to guide Zimbabwe to the 2030 Fifa World Cup. 

The Romanian tactician shared his ambitious road map as the senior men’s national team prepares for the Mukuru Four Nations Tournament, which kicks off in Botswana this week.  

The Warriors are looking to turn a new leaf following a disappointing showing at the Afcon 2025 finals in Morocco, using the upcoming fixtures as the cornerstone of an intensive rebuilding phase. 

"It's extremely important because, as I said, we want to have a competitive team," Marinica said.  

“We have some major objectives, particularly to qualify for World Cup 2030 and to do that, we need to start building now a strong foundation, a determined team to get us first of all, to pass the Afcon [test] and then obviously to start preparing towards this major objective." 

Before the team departs for Francistown on Thursday, they will first take to the pitch today for a high-profile exhibition match against Highlanders at Barbourfields Stadium.  

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The match serves as a tribute to the Bulawayo giants’ centenary celebrations and offers Marinica a final look at his squad in a match environment. 

The squad has undergone significant changes ahead of the tournament. Initially, Marinica’s selections were dominated by foreign-based players, with only a few local stars — Future Sibanda, Andrew Mbeba, and Knowledge Musona — included.  

Injuries to key players, including Tawanda Maswanhise, Prince Dube, and Musona, forced a tactical shift, bringing in domestic talent such as Mongameli Tshuma, Jarrison Selemani, and Godknows Murwira. 

Despite the late adjustments and continued exclusions of some high-profile names like Marshall Munetsi, Marinica insists every minute in Botswana contributes to Zimbabwe’s 2030 ambitions. 

“The tournament is extremely important and we take it seriously," Marinica said.  

"We look as much as possible to prepare now for a tournament that has major stakes, since this tournament has a Fifa ranking importance, and at the same time, there is a trophy on the table." 

The Four Nations Tournament sees Zimbabwe face hosts Botswana on March 28 at 6pm, while Zambia and Malawi contest the other semi-final.  

The squad blends seasoned professionals such as Marvelous Nakamba and Gerald Takwara with emerging talents like Corbin Mthunzi (Ipswich Town) and Welsh-based Panashe Makwiramiti. 

"Although we have a very short period of time—technically we're going to have only two sessions—we still want to have a blend of experience, youth, and enthusiasm," Marinica added.  

"We want to give them an opportunity. This tournament allows new players to shine. We expect players to show determination, resilience, patriotism and that they could be the backbone of future Warriors." 

With matches broadcast on SuperSport, the nation will be watching closely as Zimbabwe begins the first steps of its long-term journey to the 2030 Fifa World Cup. 

Warriors' Squad 

Goalkeepers: 

Elvis Chipezeze (Magesi FC), Future Sibanda (ZPC Kariba), Marley Tavaziva (Brentford) 

Defenders: 

Andrew Mbeba (Highlanders), Emmanuel Jalai (Durban City), Corbin Mthunzi (Ipswich Town), Munashe Garananga (Hibernian), Gerald Takwara (Al Minaa), Isheanesu Mauchi (Chippa United), Teenage Hadebe (FC Cincinnati), Shane Maroodza (Sarajevo) 

Midfielders: 

Bill Antonio (KV Mechelen), Junior Zindoga (TS Galaxy), Marvelous Nakamba (Sheffield Wednesday), Jonah Fabisch (FC Erzgebirge Aue), Panashe Makwiramiti (Haverfordwest), Prosper Padera (SJK Seinäjoki) 

Forwards: 

Mongameli Tshuma (Highlanders), Daniel Musendami (Orlando Pirates), Jarrison Selemani (FC Platinum), Washington Navaya (Hardrock), Macauley Bonne (Billericay), Thando Ngwenya (AmaZulu) 

 
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