Harare, (New Ziana) – The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) has announced that three players will not be part of the Warriors squad for the forthcoming Unity Cup set for London after having been initially selected by interim coach Kaitano Tembo.
The regional four-nation competition begins on 26 May and will feature Jamaica, India, Zimbabwe, and defending champions Nigeria.
In a squad update released on Wednesday, ZIFA confirmed that Divine Lunga, Belgium-based winger Bill Antonio, and Tinotenda Kadewere of Greek side Aris Thessaloniki will miss the tournament for different reasons.
“The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) advises that the following players have been ruled out of the Warriors squad for the upcoming Unity Cup in London. Tinotenda Kadewere is injured, Divine Lunga has club commitments following Mamelodi Sundowns’ qualification for the CAF Champions League final, and Bill Antonio is excused from the squad after requesting leave due to a personal commitment.
“Washington Navaya, Prosper Padera, and Isheanesu Mauchi have since been called up as replacements,” ZIFA said in the statement.
Meanwhile, the Warriors could play their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualification home fixtures at the National Sports Stadium if the venue receives clearance in time.
Zimbabwe was placed in a qualifying group alongside Sierra Leone, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), and Equatorial Guinea, with the campaign expected to begin in September.
By that stage, authorities expect the stadium to be fully operational for domestic fixtures, while inspectors from the Confederation of African Football (CAF) are anticipated to assess the facility for approval to host international matches.
Following years under suspension, the renovated stadium is now undergoing final compliance inspections, with government and stakeholders reporting major progress toward meeting CAF standards.
The installation of a hybrid playing surface, new bucket seating, and refurbished dressing rooms are among the improvements expected to strengthen the stadium’s chances of being cleared to stage international football again.
New Ziana
