WARRIORS vice-captain Marshall Munetsi and Tino Kadewere have bounced back into the senior national team after the duo was yesterday named in a 23-man squad for a Four Nations tournament in London.
The tournament, scheduled to run from May 26 to 31 at the Valley Stadium, will also feature Nigeria, India and Jamaica.
However, the headlines belong to the returning stars who were frozen out during the divisive tenure of former coach Marian Marinica.
Munetsi’s return is particularly significant. The 29-year-old midfielder, currently on loan at French Ligue 1 side Paris FC from English outfit Wolves, has been in the international wilderness since October 13, 2025.
Despite being widely regarded as Zimbabwe’s premier talent, Munetsi was controversially overlooked for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations finals in Morocco and subsequent fixtures in Botswana.
While official reasons for his long absence remained vague, reports have long suggested that Munetsi was sidelined after being identified as a primary figure in player protests regarding Zifa’s proposed allowances and bonuses. His inclusion by Tembo suggests a clean slate policy as the Warriors look to mend internal rifts.
Joining Munetsi in the comeback circle is striker Kadewere.
Like the vice-captain, Kadewere found himself in the cold during the Afcon finals and the matches that followed.
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Their return is bolstered by the recall of Italy-based Jordan Zemura and Mamelodi Sundowns’ Devine Lunga, both of whom have been absent from recent national assignments.
However, the dawn of the Tembo era also brings notable casualties.
United States-based defender Teenage Hadebe has been omitted from the travelling party.
Veteran forward Knowledge Musona, who was controversially lured out of international retirement by Marinica, has also been dropped. His brother, Walter Musona, also continues to wait on the sidelines after he was also excluded from Marinica’s technical set-up.
The goalkeeping department also appears to be undergoing a transition, with veteran shot-stopper Washington Arubi seeming to have fallen out of favour following Marinica’s departure, missing out on the London trip entirely.
Despite these high-profile changes, Tembo has opted for stability in the team’s core.
Captain Marvelous Nakamba retains his place to lead the side, supported by the familiar faces of Tawanda Maswanhise, Munashe Garananga and Gerald Takwara.
As the Warriors prepare to fly to the United Kingdom, the focus will be on whether this blend of returning stars and established regulars can revitalise a national team looking to turn the page.
While the Warriors will field their strongest squad for the tournament, Nigeria has said they would use fringe players.
Established senior stars such as Victor Osimhen will not be part of Nigeria’s squad for the trip to London, according to Nigeria Football Federation general secretary Mohammed Sanusi.
The Super Eagles are scheduled to face Zimbabwe in the opening semi-final of the competition on 26 May at The Valley.
Speaking to Brila FM, Sanusi revealed that the tournament will mainly be used to assess locally-based players as well as uncapped stars seeking to break into the senior national team.
“You will likely see home-based players, players that are playing in Nigeria alongside those that haven’t been called before for that competition,” Sanusi said.
“You aren’t likely to see the likes of Osimhen and the rest of them.”
Warriors squad
Goalkeepers: Marley Tavaziva (Brentford, England), Future Sibanda (ZPC Kariba), Elvis Chipezeze (Magesi, South Africa).
Defenders: Munashe Garananga (Hibernian, Scottland), Corbin Mthunzi (Ipswich Town, England), Shane Maroodza (FK Sarajevo, Bosnia), Gerald Takwara (Al Ittihad, Libya), Jordan Zemura (Udinese, Italy), Devine Lunga (Mamelodi Sundowns, SA), Emmanuel Jalai (Durban City, SA), Sean Fusire (Sheffield Wednesday, England).
Midfielders: Mongameli Tshuma (Highlanders), Marvelous Nakamba (Sheffield Wednesday, England), Aboubakar Moffat (Scottland), Jonah Fabisch (Erzgebirge, Germany), Marshall Munetsi (Paris FC, France), Tawanda Chirewa (Barnsley, England).
Strikers: Tawanda Maswanhise (Motherwell, Scottland), Prince Dube (Young Africans, Tanzania), Junior Zindoga (Ts Galaxy, SA), Bill Antonio (Kv Mechelen, Belgium), Daniel Musendami (Orlando Pirates, SA), Tino Kadewere (Aris Thessaloniki, Greece).
