The Warriors squad for the African Nations Championship (CHAN) qualifiers has been unveiled.
The CHAN tournament, set to take place from February 1-28, 2025, will be co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania. This edition marks Zimbabwe’s return to the competition after missing out on the previous tournament due to a CAF/FIFA ban, which was lifted last year.
The squad is primarily composed of Under-23 and Under-20 players, with only four senior players included, signaling a focus on youth development. CHAN, which has been held biennially since 2009, is an African football tournament organized by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) for players who are based in their home countries, giving local talent the opportunity to shine.
The Warriors will be coached by Takesure Chiragwi, with their training camp scheduled to kick off in Harare on Tuesday, October 22, 2024. Zimbabwe’s first qualifier will be against Eswatini in the opening round.
Should they advance, they will face Madagascar in the next round. The winner of this second fixture will secure a place in the CHAN finals.
The qualifiers, and the tournament itself, serve as a platform for local-based players to showcase their talents and potentially secure lucrative offers from clubs abroad.
The full squad is as follows:
Goalkeepers:
Donovan Bernard (Chicken Inn)
Joseph Kaunda (Manica Diamonds)
Defenders:
Godknows Murwira (Caps United)
Allan Chapinduka (TelOne FC)
Anotidaishe Gwatidzo (Yadah FC)
Thubelihle Jubani (Manica Diamonds)
Zibusiso Ruguchu (Herentals)
Blessing Kagudu (Herentals)
Chris Mukumbira (Bikita Minerals)
Midfielders:
Brian Banda (FC Platinum)
Blessed Ndereki (Yadah FC)
Mthokozisi Msebe (Simba Bhora)
McKinnon Mushore (Highlanders)
Tinashe Mashaireni (Kwekwe United)
Denzel Mapuwa (Green Fuel)
Enock Moyo (Bikita Minerals)
Forwards:
Obriel Chirinda (Ngezi Platinums)
Junior Bunjira (Caps United)
Thandolwenkosi Ngwenya (FC Platinum)
Tinashe Mavhudzi (Chegutu Pirates)
Prince Ndlovu (Highlanders)
Ashwin Karengesha (ZPC Kariba)
