Toothless Warriors booted out of World Cup race after suffering back to back defeat
By Sports Writer
THE Warriors are out of the World Cup race after back-to-back defeats, but the team’s youthful core offered a glimpse of what the future might hold.
Zimbabwe fell 1-0 to Benin in Cote d’Ivoire last Friday, then lost by the same scoreline to Rwanda at Orlando Stadium in Johannesburg on Tuesday, a result that sealed their elimination. Yet, the line up that faced Rwanda carried the promise of a new generation.
Four of the starters were 22 or younger, Prosper Padera (18), Tawanda Chirewa (21), Thandolwenkosi Ngwenya (22), and Tawanda Maswanhise (22). They were joined by Jordan Zemura (25), Munashe Garananga (24), and Emmanuel Jalai (26), alongside experienced campaigners Washington Arubi, Knowledge Musona, Gerald Takwara, and Marshall Munetsi.
On the bench sat more youth, Isheanesu Mauchi, Bill Antonio, and Tivonge Rushesha, all under 24.
With Morocco hosting the Africa Cup of Nations in December, attention now shifts to Afcon. But beyond that, the Warriors must confront the reality of an ageing squad.
Khama Billiat missed the September qualifiers, while Marvelous Nakamba and Takwara are nearing the twilight of their careers.
Nakamba, plagued by injuries, is 31. Takwara also turns 31 next month. Arubi, the veteran goalkeeper, is 40, though some argue age matters less for keepers.
Coach Michael Nees has acknowledged the need for change.
“Of course, the likes of Khama (Billiat) and Knowledge (Musona) cannot play forever. We have to also look beyond Afcon,” Nees told Zimpapers Sports Hub last month.
Against Rwanda, he handed full debuts to Padera and Ngwenya, both standouts from the Cosafa Cup in June.
Padera, a Majesa Academy product now playing in Finland, anchored midfield with composure before being withdrawn at half-time.
Ngwenya, who plies his trade with South Africa’s Amazulu, led the attack, showing flashes of promise before being replaced by Scottland striker Tymon Machope.
“It’s good to have some young players graduating into the senior Warriors team,” Ngwenya said. “Yes, we might be losing now but with time, the team will come right. We have the Afcon finals coming in December and that should be our main focus. We will keep pushing so that we get good results.”
The 22-year-old believes the talent pool is strong enough to carry Zimbabwe forward.
“The future should be bright because we have many young players with potential. If they can also get the chance, I am sure they can prove their mettle.”
Nees echoed that view after the Rwanda match.
“If I don’t play them (young players), then what’s the purpose of calling them?” he asked.
Still, the German stressed that “time for experiments is over” as Afcon edges closer. He has the bulk of his squad in place but may still consider one or two late additions.
Zimbabwe remain winless in Group C after eight rounds of qualifiers, the only team in the group yet to taste victory.
Their last two fixtures against Lesotho and South Africa in October will wrap up the 2026 World Cup campaign and give Nees a final chance to shape his squad for Morocco.
