THE Zimbabwe Warriors will be missing three key players, including captain Marvelous Nakamba, when they take on Rwanda in a World Cup qualifier at Orlando Stadium in Soweto this afternoon.
Nakamba, along with fullback Divine Lunga and Teenage Hadebe, is suspended for the clash.
The team also faces a challenge with Tino Kadewere and Brendan Galloway, who are both doubtful after missing full training yesterday.
Three of these five players started in the narrow 1-0 defeat to Benin in Ivory Coast on Friday night.
However, the good news for coach Michael Nees is the return of vice-captain Marshall Munetsi, who missed Friday’s match due to a suspension.
After bowing out of contention for the 2026 World Cup qualification race with the last defeat, Nees feels the team has a chance to play with freedom and without pressure.
“Our qualification is theoretically not possible anymore,” Nees said.
“That means maybe the pressure to turn this World Cup ship around, which was a very difficult mission from the beginning because of the difficult start last year, is maybe a little bit gone, and it could release some positive energy and positivism. Because we can play now a little bit much more freely.”
- Gerrard challenges Nakamba
- Nakamba ‘s chance to impress Emery
- Nakamba facilitates Euro trials for starlets
- Nakamba Villa exit news swell
Keep Reading
He said a “few players are suspended” and they would have to replace them.
“One is Marvelous, who cannot play. We have others also missing, and we must see now tomorrow how we can bring a nice group on the pitch, a motivated group,” Nees said.
“We expect that; we demand that because, on one side, it’s a World Cup qualification game where we have to be fair competitors for all the participating teams.
“We have to give our best for those who are still fighting for possible qualification. And on the other side, the players need to promote themselves for the Afcon squad.
“So that’s a very important match for everybody, and we take it seriously, definitely.”
Zimbabwe have not won a single match in Group C and have just four points from seven matches.
They are at the bottom of the six-team standings and will be hoping to claim their first win and finish strong.
Nees is likely to make as many as four changes to the team that will face Rwanda.
Finland-based teenage midfielder Prosper Padera is set to make his first start for the senior team, replacing Nakamba.
Padera is likely to play alongside Knowledge Musona in defensive midfield, with Munetsi playing behind the striker.
Thandolwenkosi Ngwenya is set to lead the strike force, which will also include Tawanda Chirewa and Tawanda Maswanhise.
Another interesting call is that of Elvis Chipezeze, replacing Washington Arubi in goal.
Chipezeze is well known in South Africa, where he plays in the Betway Premier League for Magesi FC.
Gerald Takwara could also replace Hadebe and partner Munashe Garan’anga in the heart of the defence.
Emmanuel Jalai is set to retain his place, with Jordan Zemura reverting to the left-back position in the absence of Hadebe.
The coach highlighted that they are now using the World Cup qualifiers to build a strong team for the Afcon finals in December and called for unity while he appealed for an end to negativity towards the team.
“I don’t understand this negativism against the team. It’s high time we all, and I include you, the media, apply some sense of realism of where we come from and where the potential of Zimbabwe is, and pull together in one direction towards a positive Afcon,” Nees stated.
“If you want to play a positive Afcon, then you also have to bring your share to the table and pull in one direction. We want to build a strong team towards the Afcon.”
The match will kick off at 3pm.
Probable line-up
Elvis Chipezeze, Gerald Takwara, Munashe Garan’anga, Emmanuel Jalai, Jordan Zemura, Prosper Padera, Knowledge Musona, Marshall Munetsi, Tawanda Maswanhise, Tawanda Chirewa, Thandolwenkosi Ngwenya
