Mwaruwari backs Warriors to rise

Tafadzwa Chigandiwa

Zimbabwe Warriors legend Benjani Mwaruwari has thrown his support behind the national team, expressing confidence in Michael Nees's squad ahead of their crucial World Cup qualifiers.

His comments come as a rallying call for the Warriors, who face Benin this evening before hosting Rwanda at Orlando Stadium next Tuesday.

Speaking from his base in the UK, the former Manchester City striker said the current squad has the right balance but must adopt an aggressive approach to try and keep their FIFA 2026 World Cup qualification hopes alive.

“For me, the team is well balanced. The thing is, the boys need to attack from the first minute until the final whistle,” said Mwaruwari.

The Warriors are in desperate need of a win, currently bottom of the group with four points, trailing group leaders South Africa by four points.

South Africa are set to face Lesotho and Nigeria in their upcoming fixtures.

Mwaruwari believes Zimbabwe must leave everything on the pitch and take calculated risks: “We have nothing to lose if we go for all-out attack. Already, our qualification journey is in jeopardy.

"Our chances of qualifying are very slim, but if we manage to beat Benin and Rwanda, we’re back in it, though it will be very difficult.”

With time running out in the qualification campaign, Friday's clash is being seen as a make-or-break moment for the Warriors.