Zimbabwe’s Foreign-Based Players Heading Straight To Morocco
Zimbabwe’s foreign-based players are set to travel directly to Morocco starting Tuesday, where they will link up with the rest of the Warriors squad for the final phase of preparations ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
The locally based contingent has been in camp in Harare under coach Marian “Mario” Marinica, but several Europe- and overseas-based players were unable to join earlier due to FIFA regulations, which only allow clubs to release players less than a week before the tournament.
ZIFA Media and Communications Officer Thabani Moyo confirmed that players including Bill Antonio, Brendan Galloway, Sean Fusire, Tawanda Chirewa, Tawanda Maswanhise, Andy Rinomhota and Jonah Fabisch will assemble with the squad upon arrival in Morocco.
“Most of these players had club commitments over the weekend,” Moyo explained.
“FIFA only allowed clubs to release players from December 15, so it was not practical for them to report to Harare and then travel again. They will now fly straight to Morocco and join the team there.”
Club Commitments Completed
Several of the named players were involved in weekend fixtures across Europe. Maswanhise played 73 minutes for Motherwell, while Galloway featured in Plymouth Argyle’s win over Rotherham. Others, including Antonio, Chirewa and Fabisch, were unused substitutes for their respective clubs.
Sean Fusire is expected to be the last to report after Sheffield Wednesday’s fixture against Derby County.
Early Arrivals Already in Camp
Marinica has already welcomed South Africa-based players Divine Lunga, Daniel Msendami and Junior Zindoga, along with goalkeepers Washington Arubi and Elvis Chipezeze.
Senior figures Teenage Hadebe, Marvelous Nakamba, Macauley Bonne, Prosper Padera and Alec Mudimu were also among the early arrivals as preparations intensified with double training sessions.
Munetsi Absence Sparks Debate
The omission of vice-captain Marshall Munetsi has drawn attention, with the midfielder claiming he was fit while his club coach insisted he needed more recovery time. Marinica maintained he could not risk selecting an injured player, though Munetsi may be considered if Zimbabwe reach the knockout stages.
Group B Challenge Ahead
Zimbabwe have been drawn in Group B alongside Egypt, South Africa and Angola.
Former Warriors striker Matthew Rusike believes the group will be fiercely contested but insists Zimbabwe can compete.
“It’s a tight group — African football is unpredictable,” Rusike said.
“Egypt and South Africa are favourites, but Zimbabwe have a team that can challenge if they perform at their best.”
The Warriors open their AFCON campaign against Egypt next Monday, while South Africa face Angola in the group’s other opening fixture, setting the stage for a highly competitive start.
