Zimbabwe’s foreign-based players will travel straight to Morocco from tomorrow, where they are set to join the rest of the Warriors squad for the final leg of preparations ahead of the AFCON 2025 finals.
The locally assembled squad has been in camp in Harare and is scheduled to depart for Morocco tomorrow, as the continental showpiece kicks off this weekend in the North African nation.
Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) Media and Communications Officer Thabani Moyo confirmed that several Europe-based players will only be able to link up with the team in Morocco due to FIFA regulations governing player release.
Among those expected to travel directly are Bill Antonio, Brendan Galloway, Sean Fusire, Tawanda Chirewa, Tawanda Maswanhise, Andy Rinomhota and Jonah Fabisch.
Moyo explained that FIFA’s directive allowing clubs to release players less than a week before the tournament made it impractical for the foreign-based contingent to report to camp in Harare before travelling again with the team.
“This situation has affected many teams going to AFCON, and unfortunately Zimbabwe is no exception,” Moyo said.
“Most of these players were still involved in club matches over the weekend. FIFA stipulated that clubs could only release players from December 15, which made it impossible for them to travel to Harare and then fly out again with the squad.
“As a result, they will now make their way directly to Morocco and continue preparations from there.”
Several of the Europe-based players saw limited action over the weekend. Antonio was an unused substitute as KV Mechelen edged Cercle Brugge 3-2 in Belgium, while Chirewa also remained on the bench during Wolverhampton Wanderers’ 2-1 loss to Arsenal. Fabisch did not feature in Erzgebirge Aue’s goalless draw against MSV Duisburg.
Maswanhise played 73 minutes for Motherwell in their 0-0 draw with Dundee United in the Scottish Premiership, while Galloway delivered a solid performance in Plymouth Argyle’s 1-0 victory over Rotherham in England’s League One.
Fusire could be the final overseas-based player to report, with Sheffield Wednesday scheduled for a late fixture against Derby County.
Last week, coach Marian “Mario” Marinica welcomed South Africa-based trio Divine Lunga, Daniel Msendami and Junior Zindoga, along with goalkeepers Washington Arubi and Elvis Chipezeze. Early arrivals also included Teenage Hadebe, Macauley Bonne, Prosper Padera, Alec Mudimu and captain Marvelous Nakamba, who joined the local players to begin camp.
Since announcing his final squad last Thursday, Marinica has been overseeing intensive preparations, holding two training sessions daily as he fine-tunes tactics and combinations.
However, the exclusion of vice-captain Marshall Munetsi due to injury has sparked debate. Munetsi maintains he is fit, while his club coach indicated he requires at least six weeks to recover. Marinica opted not to take the risk, stating Munetsi could only be considered if Zimbabwe advance to the knockout stages.
Zimbabwe have been drawn in Group B alongside South Africa, Angola and Egypt.
Former Warriors striker Matthew Rusike believes the team must be at their very best to progress.
“It’s a very tight group, and African football is unpredictable,” Rusike told Kick-Off.com. “Zimbabwe have a good squad capable of competing, and Angola are also a tough side.
“Egypt and South Africa are favourites because of their quality and depth. Egypt have many players in top leagues, while South Africa have been consistent and strong, especially with players from Sundowns and Pirates.
“Still, I will always back Zimbabwe to rise to the occasion and prove they belong.”
The Warriors open their AFCON campaign against Egypt next Monday, while South Africa face Angola in the other Group B fixture, with all four teams eager to make a strong start.
