Luton Town midfielder Marvelous Nakamba has been ruled out of Zimbabwe’s 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Kenya and Cameroon after his omission from the squad announced on Monday.
Nakamba recently returned to full training at his club, ending a long spell on the sidelines due to injury.
Despite his return to fitness, Nakamba, newly appointed Warriors coach Michael Nees has decided against rushing him back to international football.
Zimbabwe are scheduled to kick off their bid for a place at next year’s Nations Cup in Morocco with an away assignment against Kenya’s Harambee Stars at the Nelson Mandela Stadium in Uganda on September 4.
They will then face five-time African champions Cameroon six days later at the same venue.
Nees, who will be assisted by Ngezi Platinum Stars coach Takesure Chiragwi has made a few changes to the squad which played against Lesotho and South Africa in the World Cup qualifiers.
He has recalled veteran goalkeeper Washington Arubi to provide experience in that department.
Tanzania-based former Highlanders forward Prince Dube, who has been enjoying a resurgence at Young Africans is also in the squad.
Nee’s squad is dominated by players from prestigious leagues worldwide including those based in England, France, and Italy.
Central to the lineup is the Stade de Reims midfielder Marshall Munetsi who is expected to lead the squad in Nakamba’s absence.
Rising star Tawanda Chirewa, who on Monday sealed a loan move to Derby County from Wolves is one of the several England-born Sstars in the squad.
However, the squad will not include veteran striker Khama Billiat who despite a strong season at Yadah with 10 league goals remains excluded following his retirement from international football in 2021.
At the time of his retirement, Billiat had made 45 appearances for the national team and his absence is felt as the team continues to evolve under new leadership.
Michael Nees, who transitioned to this role after a stint as an education officer with the South African Football Association, is poised to steer the team through this new phase.
His contract, extending until June 2026, signifies a long-term commitment to rebuilding and strengthening the team.
Zimbabwe Squad
Goalkeepers: Washington Arubi, Marley Tavaziva, Bernard Donovan
Defenders: Gerald Takwara, Brendan Galloway, Munashe Garan’anga, Andrew Mbeba, Godknows Murwira, Emmanuel Jalai, Teenage Hadebe
Midfielders: Marshall Munetsi, Andy Rinomhota, Jordan Zemura, Walter Musona, Daniel Musendami, Brian Banda, Tawanda Maswanhise, Richard Hachiro, Tawanda Chirewa
Forwards: Tinotenda Kadewere, Douglas Mapfumo, Prince Dube, Obriel Chirinda