Chimedza gets maiden Warriors call-up

 

Zimbabwe's national football team, the Warriors, has received a boost with the call-up of Portugal-based player Corbert Chimedza to the provisional squad. The 20-year-old, who plays for AC Marinhese in the Portuguese lower division, was named by new Warriors coach Mario Marinica, who promised to give opportunities to all deserving players during his press conference last week.

Chimedza, a former MK Dons player, has been impressing with his performances for AC Marinhese since joining the club on loan from Gil Vicente. His impressive form earned him a spot in the Warriors' training camp, which began today, and he is expected to join the team this week.

Marinica, who has over 25 years of international coaching experience, is looking to build a competitive and sustainable football structure in Zimbabwe. His appointment as Warriors head coach was announced in November, and he has already started making changes to the team.

Chimedza's call-up is seen as a significant move, given his experience playing in Europe and his impressive performances in the Portuguese league. He becomes the first Zimbabwean player to sign for a Portuguese top-flight club since independence, following in the footsteps of the late Freddy Mukwesha, who played for Sporting Braga in 1960.

The Warriors are preparing for upcoming international friendlies against Algeria and Qatar, as well as the AFCON 2025 qualifying campaign. Chimedza's addition to the squad is expected to bring a new dimension to the team's attack.