Warriors Begin Durban Preparations with Renewed Spirit

The Zimbabwe national football team — the Warriors — have settled in Durban, South Africa, as preparations intensify ahead of their 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifier Group C clash against Bafana Bafana on Friday.

There’s a quiet sense of determination in the Warriors camp — a renewed focus on pride, identity, and progress. Although Zimbabwe is no longer in contention for World Cup qualification, the players are treating these final fixtures as a vital stepping stone toward the future of the national team.

The locally-based players arrived in Durban on Sunday and were joined by their South Africa-based teammates for the first training session. The mood was light but focused, with laughter and intensity blending seamlessly on the training pitch. Under the humid coastal skies, the Warriors looked eager to make a statement.

According to ZIFA, some of the Europe-based players have already begun arriving, while the remaining members of the squad are expected today. Head coach Michael Nees and his technical team are focusing on tactical shape, team chemistry, and mental strength — all essential for the upcoming clash against South Africa at the Moses Mabhida Stadium.

The Warriors will wrap up their Group C campaign against Lesotho three days later at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane.

Despite the disappointment of missing out on World Cup qualification, Nees sees this period as a chance to rebuild. “This is about preparing for what’s next,” a technical source shared. “We want to see how players respond under pressure and how they fit into the system we are building.”

Among those leading by example are Knowledge Musona, whose experience and leadership continue to inspire confidence in camp, Godknows Murwira, whose versatility brings balance to the squad, and Thando Ngwenya, one of the promising young players eager to make his mark at international level.

The team’s spirit is high, and training sessions have been characterized by unity and communication. Nees has emphasized teamwork above all — urging players to fight for one another and restore the pride of the Warriors badge.

For Zimbabwe, these matches are about much more than points on the table. They represent a fresh chapter — a chance to redefine what it means to wear the national jersey, to connect again with fans, and to lay a solid foundation for the upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations campaign.

As one player put it after training, “We know what’s at stake. Every time we step on that pitch, we represent millions back home. That alone gives us all the motivation we need.”

In Durban this week, the Warriors are not just training for a match — they’re training for redemption, for respect, and for the pride of a nation.

The flag still flies high.