Boost for Warriors

Zim Now Writer

Warriors forwards Tawanda Chirewa and Bill Antonio are poised to make their return to the national squad for Zimbabwe's crucial back-to-back 2026 World Cup qualifiers next month. Zimbabwe, currently at the bottom of Group C, faces a tough challenge as they host Benin in South Africa on March 17th, followed by a trip to Nigeria the following week. These matches are critical for Zimbabwe's hopes of progressing in the qualifying campaign, which also includes South Africa, Rwanda, and Lesotho.

Sources within Zifa have indicated that Warriors coach Michael Nees intends to maintain the core of the squad that secured qualification for the Africa Cup of Nations finals. However, the return of Chirewa and Antonio, both of whom missed significant playing time due to injuries, is expected to provide a significant boost to the team's attacking options.

Chirewa, who plays for League One side Huddersfield Town on loan from Wolves, was part of Nees's plans previously but was sidelined by injury. He has been in scintillating form recently, earning consecutive man-of-the-match awards and playing a key role in Huddersfield's recent win against Barnsley. His impressive performances have solidified his place in Nees's World Cup qualifying plans.

Antonio, playing in Belgium's league for KV Mechelen, also returns after recovering from a long-term injury. His return adds further depth and quality to the Warriors' forward line. "The coach is still working on his list but already he has the majority of players with the profiles he wants," a Zifa insider revealed. "There won't be many changes... you know the usual suspects, those are there on the list. He is following all the players especially in European leagues and conversations are on. He is happy with the progress being made by Tawanda and Bill since they recovered from their injuries. From our conversations, he has high regard for the two players and they are part of his plans and the World Cup qualifying project."

Nees is also keeping a close eye on local talent. He is expected to attend the Castle Challenge Cup match between Dynamos and Simba Bhora this Saturday, which serves as the season's curtain-raiser, to assess potential players for the national squad. "The coach also wants to have a look at the local players so the Castle Challenge Cup will be key to assessing players," the source added. "The coach wants to give the local lads a chance. It's a difficult situation because most of the players will still be in a phase of gaining match fitness, but like I said, he wants to give everyone a chance."

Meanwhile, Zifa continues to face challenges in securing a suitable venue for the home game against Benin. Due to the lack of CAF-certified stadiums in Zimbabwe, the match will be played in South Africa. "We are still looking for a venue. The picture will be clearer this week. But the game will be played in South Africa," the official confirmed. Several venues in South Africa are being considered, including Port Elizabeth, Durban, Bloemfontein, and Nelspruit. The unavailability of the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane, a preferred option due to its proximity to the Zimbabwean border and the strong support the Warriors receive there, has forced Zifa to explore other alternatives.