Zimbabwe coach Bartemar Brito has named a 28-man reserve squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Nigeria and Rwanda later this month, Soccernet.ng reported.
Zimbabwe will play Rwanda on November 15 at Rwanda’s Hue Stadium, and the same venue will be home to the Warriors when they host Nigeria four days later.
Coach Brito invited four goalkeepers, nine defenders, seven midfielders and eight attackers for the two appearances.
Goalkeepers include Marley Tabajiba of Brentford City and Martin Mapisa, who plays for Spanish lower league club FC Málaga City.
Udinese Calcio’s Jourdan Zemura and Reading’s Thibonju Rushesha lead the team’s defense, while Liverpool’s youngster Isaac Mabaya and Stade Reims’ Marshall Munetsi are among the notable players in the midfield.
In attack, Zimbabwe will rely on talents such as Olympique Lyon’s Tino Kadewere and Leicester City’s Tawanda Maswanhise to lead them to victory.
Brito pleased with Warriors’ squad
Zimbabwe head coach Brito has expressed his delight at the star-studded squad he has assembled to compete in Zimbabwe’s first ever World Cup.
“I am happy with the team and happy with my decision to put together this talented group of players who will represent Zimbabwe in the World Cup qualifiers.”
“I analyzed them all. “They are extraordinary players and valuable personnel for the team,” the coach said.
Do not respect Nigeria – Mhofu
Zimbabwe’s soccer legend ‘Muhof’ Chidzambwa sent a message to the Warriors on Sunday ahead of the World Cup qualifiers.
The 71-year-old former Zimbabwean national team player and coach has accused his national team of not showing respect when three-time African champions Nigeria and Rwanda faced each other on the pitch.
“We must not respect them. We must play our own football, fight for 90 minutes and bring good results for the country,” Mukhov said. told
The Super Eagles have never lost a competitive match against Zimbabwe, winning four and drawing one out of their five matches.
NFF yet to release squad list for qualifiers
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Football Association has not released the list of players who will represent the country in the November qualifiers.
Head coach Jose Peceiro has been struggling with fitness issues with some players, with Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi, Zaidu Sanusi and Samuel Chukwueze doubtful they will feature.
The 28-man squad
Goalkeepers
Donovan Bernard (Chicken Inn)Washington Albi (SuperSport United)Martin Mapisa (FC Málaga City)Marley Tabajiba (Brentford City)
Defenders
Tendai Darikwa (Apollon Limassol) Andrew Mbeba (Highlanders) Peter Mudufa (Highlanders) Frank McCaraty (Dynamos) Teenage Hadebe (Houston Dynamo) Munashe Galananga (Tiraspol Sheriff) Brendan Galloway (Plymouth Argyle) Jordan Zemura (Udinese Calcio)
Thank you, Rushesha (Resun)
Midfielders
Brian Banda (FC Platinum) Marshall Munetsi (Stade Reims) Andy Rinomhota (Cardiff City) Marvelous Nakamba (Luton Town) Gerard Takwara (Ochod Club) Isaac Mabaya (Liverpool)
Tanaka・Shandilwa (Dynamos)
Forwards
Obriel Chilinda (Bulawayo Chiefs)Prince Dube (Azam)
Tino Kadewere (Olympique Lyon)
Admiral Maskwe (Exeter City)Walter Musona (FC Platinum)
Terence Djuvukamanja (SuperSport United)
Leon Chiwome (Wolverhampton Wanderers)
Tawanda Maswanhise (Leicester City)
