By Zim Sport Live Writer
New Mighty Warriors coach Stella Gotal has widened Zimbabwe’s selection pool by bringing in a number of foreign-based players for the Olympic Games qualifying campaign which begins with a stren test against Malawi.
The squad for the two-legged tie features players based in England, the United States, Israel, New Zealand and elsewhere, signalling an early move by Gotal to look beyond the domestic league for Zimbabwean talent.
The most notable inclusion is US-born striker Samiah Phiri, who has joined the Mighty Warriors after previously attracting interest from Zambia. Phiri came through the US college system, playing for Oklahoma State and Pittsburgh before beginning her professional career in France with FC Nantes in 2025.
Phiri, who is of Zambian descent, later moved to Thonon Evian Grand Genève in France’s second tier and is now in line to make her international debut for Zimbabwe.
Another new face is Sasha Marikano, a Canada-based forward who enjoyed a strong college career at Wilfrid Laurier University before moving into professional football in Europe. She joined Czech side Viktoria Plzeň earlier this year before subsequently moving to Italian club Atletico Uri.
Tanyaradzwa Nyakuchena, who is based in England, has also been included after joining Chesham United. The goalkeeper previously came through Zimbabwe’s junior national-team system, including the Under-17 side that reached the semi-finals of the 2025 COSAFA U17 Girls Championship.
Ruvimbo Muchera retains her place after making her senior international debut and continues to provide Zimbabwe with an attacking option from abroad, while Timukudzeishe Mudziviri returns to the fold from New Zealand, having previously represented Zimbabwe at Under-20 level.
US-based defender Saliah Johnson, who plays for Union Commonwealth University, is another player to earn a senior call-up after previously featuring for Zimbabwe’s Under-20 side.
The broader search for talent fits with Gotal’s stated approach since taking charge. The Croatian coach has said she wants to assess both local and foreign-based players, while insisting that places in the national team will be earned on merit.
Gotal has been handed a four-year mandate to rebuild the Mighty Warriors, with talent identification and development forming part of her long-term plans.
Zimbabwe’s immediate focus, however, is on the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games qualifiers, with Malawi standing between the Mighty Warriors and the next round.
The first leg will be played at Bingu Stadium in Lilongwe on 9 October, with the return leg at the National Sports Stadium in Harare on 13 October. Both matches are scheduled for 3pm CAT.
The selection of diaspora-based players mirrors the approach being taken with the men’s national team, where coach Ramon Català has also opened the door to Zimbabwean players based abroad.
Mighty Warriors squad
Goalkeepers: Cynthia Shonga (Herentals Queens), Vanessa Lunga (Platinum Royals), Delight Matigwene (Chapungu Queens), Tanyaradzwa Nyakuchena (Chesham United).
Defenders: Bridget Mautura (Herentals Queens), Egness Tumbare (Herentals Queens), Nokukhanya Ndlovu (Platinum Royals), Sheila Antonio (Chapungu Queens), Alice Moyo (Herentals Queens), Maudy Mafuruse (Herentals Queens), Saliah Johnson (Union Commonwealth University).
Midfielders: Daisy Kaitano (Black Rhinos Queens), Shyline Dambamuro (Herentals Queens), Christabel Katona (Black Rhinos Queens), Emaculate Msipa (Maccabi Holon), Danai Bhobho (Nsingizini Hotspurs), Peacemore Kandende (Ladies Young Achievers), Timukudzeishe Mudziviri (Southern United).
Forwards: Ruvimbo Muchera (Maccabi Tel Aviv), Ethel Chinyere (Green Buffaloes), Samiah Phiri (Unattached), Sasha Marikano (FC Atletico Uri), Farirai Kuhudzai (Ladies Young Achievers), Prayence Zawanda (Herentals Queens), Rutendo Makore (Black Rhinos Queens), Priviledge Mupeti (Black Rhinos Queens).