New Zimbabwe Warriors coach Marian Marinica has sensationally started over the entire AFCON squad selection, announcing a massive 51-member provisional squad for the continental showpiece in Morocco next month, a list that includes the formerly overlooked striker, Macauley Bonne.
The Romanian tactician, dubbed “Super Mario,” delivered on his promise to make an independent team selection, stamping his authority just weeks after his appointment.
Crucially, the move throws a lifeline to a number of players conspicuously ignored by his predecessor, Michael Nees, most notably Macauley Bonne, whose desperate plea for a national team return barely a month ago has now been answered.
Bonne, 30, who has represented the Warriors a handful of times but was recently out of the setup, had openly expressed his frustration and desire to wear the national colours again. His emotional plea came after the Warriors had struggled in recent international outings, losing to Lesotho after holding South Africa in World Cup qualifiers.
“If my country calls me again, I’ll bleed for that jersey. I’ve waited too long, and Zimbabwe deserves better. I’m hungry — hungrier than ever,” Bonne told ZiGoats on October 30, 2025.
He even challenged the coach to test his proven goal-scoring ability, mostly achieved in England’s leagues with clubs like Charlton Athletic, Ipswich Town, and Leyton Orient.
”I don’t need 90 minutes. Give me half a match against Algeria or Qatar, and I’ll show you I belong.”
With over 130 career goals, the striker, who now features for lower division side Maldon & Tiptree, was defiant about his natural talent, adding: “I’m not the flashiest player around. But I’m a natural striker. You give me the ball in the box — I’ll make the net dance.”
Marinica has opened that window of opportunity by including Bonne in the expanded list announced at his first press conference in Zimbabwe on Wednesday. Now, it is up to Bonne to take it with both hands and prove he still belongs on the grand stage of AFCON.
The 51-man squad selection indicates a total break from the past. Marinica, who has been tasked with guiding the country to the second round of the AFCON finals for the first time in history, has truly thrown the net wide.
Veteran Alec Mudimu, who had previously retired, has been convinced to reverse his decision.
The squad also heavily rewards current form in the domestic league, with players like MWOS FC’s Aboubakar Moffat and Highlanders’ defensive pillar Peter Muduhwa getting a chance, alongside a host of other locally based players.
In a move that raises eyebrows, veteran forward Khama Billiat, whom the former coach had convinced to come out of retirement, has been left out, signalling Marinica’s decisive vision.
The mammoth squad list suggests a crucial initial camp for locally based players to establish a common philosophy before joining up with their foreign-based counterparts, all aimed at finding the perfect blend for the final AFCON cut.
Zimbabwe 2025 Africa Cup of Nations Provisional Squad (51)
- Washington Arubi
- Martin Mapisa
- Elvis Chipezeze
- Godknows Murwira
- Emmanuel Jalai
- Isheanesu Anselmo Mauchi
- John Gerald Tungamirai Takwara
- Munashe Peter Garananga
- Teenage Lingani Hadebe
- Brendan Joel Zibusiso Galloway
- Jordan Bhekithemba Zemura
- Jonah Reinhard Fabisch
- Thandolwenkosi Methuseli Ngwenya
- Daniel Msendami
- Bill Leeroy Antonio
- Tawanda Jethro Maswanhise
- Walter Tatenda Musona
- Tymon Machope
- Tawanda Blessing Chirewa
- Marshall Nyasha Munetsi
- Marvelous Nakamba
- Prince Mpumelelo Dube
- Divine Xolile Lunga
- Prosper Padera
- Sean Sheunesu Fusire
- Andrew Farai Rinomhota
- Terrence Dzvukamanja
- Washington Gift Navaya
- Bonne Macauley
- Nelson Tapiwa Chadya
- Donovan Fungai Benard
- Kevin Njabulo Moyo
- Peter Muduhwa
- Andrew Kabila Mbeba
- Albert Manenji
- Xolani Ndlovu
- Abubakar Moffat
- Junior Makunike
- Kingsley Mureremba
- Joseph Tulani
- Mthokozisi Msebe
- Nigel Elfas Matinha
- Ishmael Wadi
- Emmanuel Tafadzwa Ziocha
- Billy Vheremu
- Obriel Chirinda
- Junior Zindoga
- Alec Mudimu
- Tadiwa Joshua Chakuchichi
- Webster Tanaka Tafa
- Knowledge Musona
