Warriors head coach Ramon Catala has named his first provisional squad for Zimbabwe’s opening two matches of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, blending European-based experience with in-form local talent as the nation targets a return to the continental finals.
The 30-man provisional squad will prepare for home and away fixtures against Sierra Leone and the Democratic Republic of Congo in Matchdays 1 and 2 of the qualifiers. The announcement marks Catala’s first major squad selection since taking charge of the Warriors and sets the tone for his tenure.
In goal, Catala has called up four shot-stoppers. Elvis Chipezeze of Magesi FC leads the group, alongside Nelson Chadya and Martin Mapisa who represent Scottland FC and Hardrock FC respectively. Marley Tavaziva, currently unattached, also makes the list.
The defensive department is headlined by Europe-based regulars. Jordan Zemura of Watford, Divine Lunga of Mamelodi Sundowns, Munashe Garananga of Lyngby BK, Corbin Mhunzi of Ipswich Town, and Sean Fusire of Sheffield Wednesday all feature. They are joined by Shane Maroodza of Sarajevo, Isaac Mabaya of Liverpool, Emmanuel Jalai, Kevin Moyo and Peter Muduhwa of Scottland FC, and Brendan Galloway who is currently unattached.
Midfield offers a balance of steel and creativity. Wolves’ Marshall Munetsi and Tawanda Chirewa anchor the English contingent, while Andy Rinomhota of Reading FC brings Championship experience. The local game is well represented through Abubakar Moffat, Knowledge Musona of Scottland FC, and Mongameli Tshuma of Highlanders FC. Marvellous Nakamba of Panetolikos and Prosper Padera of SJK Seinäjoki complete the midfield options.
Up front, Catala has gone for firepower and versatility. Tawanda Maswanhise of Motherwell, Prince Dube of Hardrock FC, Tino Kadewere of Aris Salonica, Thando Ngwenya of AmaZulu, Bill Antonio of KV Mechelen, Daniel Msandami of Orlando Pirates, Ishmael Wadi of CAPS United, and Junior Zindoga of TS Galaxy have all been included. A notable absentee from the squad is Walter Musona.
The squad reflects Catala’s intention to cast the net wide while rewarding domestic form. With several PSL players included alongside a strong European base, the coach appears keen to build depth and competition ahead of a demanding qualification campaign.
Zimbabwe opens its AFCON 2027 qualifying campaign against Sierra Leone before facing the DRC. Both matches are critical as the Warriors look to secure early points in a group that promises to be competitive.
The Zimbabwe Football Association confirmed that the final 23-man squad will be named closer to the international window, with training set to begin in the coming weeks.
Group E AFCON Qualifiers Fixtures & Schedule
Matchday 1
21 September – 6 October 2026: Sierra Leone vs Zimbabwe
Matchday 2
21 September – 6 October 2026: Zimbabwe vs Democratic Republic of Congo
Matchday 3
9 – 17 November 2026: Equatorial Guinea vs Zimbabwe
Matchday 4
9 – 17 November 2026: Zimbabwe vs Equatorial Guinea
