Munetsi Left Out as ZIFA Names Warriors Squad for Botswana Four Nations Tournament

Warriors vice-captain Marshall Munetsi has been left out of Zimbabwe’s squad for the upcoming Botswana Four Nations Tournament despite being in impressive scoring form in France.

The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) on Wednesday announced the squad selected by head coach Mario Marinica for the FIFA international break, during which the Warriors will compete in the regional tournament set for Francistown later this month.

Munetsi’s omission has emerged as the biggest talking point following the announcement, with the midfielder having scored three goals in his last three matches for his French club, Paris FC, highlighting his strong recent form ahead of the international break.

The influential midfielder has been a key figure for the Warriors in recent years and currently serves as the team’s vice-captain, making his absence from the squad particularly notable.

ZIFA did not immediately provide reasons for the decision, leaving supporters speculating.

During the last AFCON 2025 finals in Morocco, Munetsi was left out of the squad due to injury, but he later dismissed the claim during an interview with SABC.

Another notable absentee is Walter Musona, who has again missed out on the squad that travelled to Morocco.

Zimbabwe will take part in the Botswana Four Nations Tournament at Obed Itani Chilume Stadium, with matches scheduled for March 28 and March 31, 2026, as the national team continues rebuilding under Marinica.

Despite Munetsi’s absence, the squad includes several experienced internationals, among them midfielder Marvelous Nakamba, alongside a mix of locally based and overseas players.

Teenage Hadebe leads the defensive options, while Prince Dube, Macauley Bonne, and Tawanda Maswanhise headline the attacking department.

Warriors Squad

Goalkeepers:

Elvis Chipezeze (Magesi FC), Future Sibanda (ZPC Kariba), Marley Tavaziva (Brentford)

Defenders:

Andrew Mbeba (Highlanders), Emmanuel Jalai (Durban City), Corbin Mthunzi (Ipswich Town), Munashe Garananga (Hibernian), Gerald Takwara (Al Itihad Misurata), Isheanesu Mauchi (Chippa United), Teenage Hadebe (FC Cincinnati), Shane Maroodza (FK Sarajevo)

Midfielders:

Bill Antonio (KV Mechelen), Sean Fusire (Sheffield Wednesday), Marvelous Nakamba (Sheffield Wednesday), Jonah Fabisch (FC Erzgebirge Aue), Panashe Makwiramiti (Haverfordwest), Prosper Padera (SJK Seinäjoki)

Forwards:

Tawanda Maswanhise (Motherwell), Daniel Musendami (Orlando Pirates), Prince Dube (Young Africans), Macauley Bonne (Billericay Town), Thando Ngwenya (AmaZulu)