By Tapiwa Chawagarira
Zimbabwe’s Warriors have been hit by a fresh wave of injuries ahead of their opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations Group E qualifiers against Sierra Leone and the Democratic Republic of Congo, forcing coach Ramon Catala to make last-minute changes to his squad.
Zimbabwe will face Sierra Leone on September 24 in El Jadida before returning home to host DR Congo on September 28.
Hardrock forward Prince Dube and Greece-based striker Tino Kadewere have both been ruled out of the September international window, and Washington Navaya and Leeroy Mavunga have been drafted into the squad as replacements.
Dube picked up a left hamstring injury during Hardrock’s Castle Lager Premier Soccer League encounter against Highlanders on Saturday. His club subsequently informed the national team medical department that he would not recover in time for the Warriors’ assignments.
Kadewere has also been withdrawn after suffering an injury, further reducing Catala’s attacking options as the Warriors prepare for two important Group E fixtures.
Navaya’s inclusion is particularly significant, as the Hardrock striker was initially omitted from Catala’s 24-man squad despite his impressive domestic form. His late call-up now allows him to force his way into the coach’s plans and translate his PSL scoring form to the international stage.
Mavunga has also been brought into the squad as Catala seeks to strengthen his attacking options following the latest withdrawals.
The Warriors have already started assembling in Morocco, with several foreign-based players joining camp in Casablanca. Among those reported to have arrived are Marvellous Nakamba, Thando Ngwenya, Tawanda Chirewa, Corbin Mthunzi, Martin Mapisa, Nelson Chadya, Peter Muduhwa, Kevin Moyo, Emmanuel Jalai, and Abubakar Moffat.
The team is using Casablanca as its training base before traveling to El Jadida for Thursday’s meeting with Sierra Leone at Stade El Abdi.
Catala had already been forced to contend with other injury-related absences before the latest developments.
Jordan Zemura was ruled out after suffering an injury while playing for Watford against Stoke City in the English Championship. The Zimbabwe international was stretchered off after 42 minutes, making him unavailable for the Warriors’ assignment.
Former Warriors captain Knowledge Musona is another notable absentee after suffering a hamstring injury while playing for Scottland against FC Platinum. Scottland coach Norman Mapeza indicated that Musona’s scan showed he would be sidelined for about two weeks.
The latest withdrawals leave Catala with several decisions to make in attack, with Thando Ngwenya, Washington Navaya, Leeroy Mavunga, Tawanda Maswanhise, Bill Antonio, and Daniel Msendami among the players available for selection.
Ngwenya enters the camp in encouraging club form after making a strong start to the South African season with AmaZulu, while Navaya has been one of the top scorers in the domestic Premiership.
The Warriors will also have experience and leadership in midfield, with captain Nakamba and vice-captain Marshall Munetsi among those expected to shoulder much of the responsibility as Zimbabwe begin their qualification campaign.
With the squad now reshaped by injuries, Catala will have limited time to settle on his preferred combination before the Warriors begin their latest attempt to secure qualification for the continental showpiece.
