Youngsters Dominate Zimbabwe Warriors’ CHAN Squad for Eswatini Tie

The Zimbabwe senior national football team has announced a youthful squad for the upcoming African Nations Championship (CHAN) qualifiers against Eswatini, set to commence with their first match on October 29, 2024. This squad showcases a significant influx of under-20 and under-23 players, reflecting a strategic shift towards nurturing young talent.

The team, which will start training in Harare, features only four senior players: defender Godknows Murwira, goalkeeper Donovan Bernard, forward Obriel Chirinda, and midfielder Brian Banda. The remainder of the squad is brimming with rising stars, including Prince Ndlovu from Highlanders and Enock Moyo from Bikita Minerals, alongside Yadah’s dynamic duo, Anotida Gwatidzo and Blessed Ndereki.

In compliance with CAF regulations, only players active in their domestic leagues are eligible for the CHAN tournament, emphasizing the importance of local league performance.

The squad will be under the guidance of Takesure Chiragwi, the Warriors’ assistant coach, who also oversees the under-23 national team. They will face Eswatini at the Obed Itani Chilume Stadium in Francistown, Botswana, before the return leg on November 2 at Mbombela Stadium in South Africa.

Squad Breakdown

Goalkeepers:

• Donovan Bernard (Chicken Inn)
• Joseph Kaunda (Manica Diamonds)

Defenders:

• Godknows Murwira (Caps United)
• Allan Chapinduka (TelOne FC)
• Anotidaishe Gwatidzo (Yadah FC)
• Thubelihle Jubani (Manica Diamonds)
• Zibusiso Ruguchu (Herentals)
• Blessing Kagudu (Herentals)
• Chris Mukumbira (Bikita Minerals)

Midfielders:

• Brian Banda (FC Platinum)
• Blessed Ndereki (Yadah FC)
• Mthokozisi Msebe (Simba Bhora)
• McKinnon Mushore (Highlanders)
• Tinashe Mashaireni (Kwekwe United)
• Denzel Mapuwa (Green Fuel)
• Enock Moyo (Bikita Minerals)

Forwards:

• Obriel Chirinda (Ngezi Platinum)
• Junior Bunjira (Caps United)
• Thandolwenkosi Ngwenya (FC Platinum)
• Tinashe Mavhudzi (Chegutu Pirates)
• Prince Ndlovu (Highlanders)
• Ashwin Karengesha (ZPC Kariba)

As the team prepares for this crucial qualifier, there is optimism around the potential of these young talents to make their mark on the international stage, contributing to a revitalized future for Zimbabwean football.