Teenage star midfielder Prosper Padera has been selected for the upcoming 2026 Fifa World Cup qualifiers against Benin and Rwanda.
Padera’s inclusion in the 24-man squad is a direct result of his impressive performances with the developmental side at the Cosafa Cup in South Africa in June.
The Mutare-born footballer, a product of Majesa Academy, has been making waves in Europe since signing a four-year deal with Finnish topflight side SJK FC in December of last year.
His potential was on full display at the Cosafa Cup, where he earned a man-of-the-match performance in Zimbabwe’s 0-0 draw with Mauritius.
Padera’s call-up is part of a broader strategy by coach Michael Nees to inject fresh talent into the Warriors squad. The team, currently at the bottom of Group C with four points, faces a steep climb to qualify for the World Cup finals.
However, the upcoming qualifiers are seen as a vital opportunity to prepare for the Africa Cup of Nations finals in December and build a squad for the future.
The 18 – year – old midfielder will now have the chance to train alongside and learn from seasoned professionals, including midfield stalwart Marvelous Nakamba. This is a dream come true for Madera, who once won the best player award at the Marvelous Nakamba Tournament, and will now share a dressing room with his idol.
Padera is one of several new faces in the squad, with Nees also calling up other promising players like Thando Ngwenya, Jonah Fabisch, Sean Fusire, and Bill Antonio, all of whom have recently impressed.
Their inclusion marks a new era for the Warriors as they look to revive their campaign and secure a brighter future.
The Warriors will travel to Ivory Coast to play Benin next Friday before heading to South Africa, where they will host Rwanda on September 9 at the Orlando Stadium in Johannesburg.
Warriors squad
Goalkeepers: Washington Arubi, Elvis Chipezeze, Martin Mapisa
Defenders: Gerald Takwara, Munashe Garananga, Teenage Hadebe, Brandon Galloway, Godknows Murwira, Emmanuel Jalai
Jordan Zemura, Divine Lunga
Midfielders: Marshall Munetsi, Marvelous Nakamba, Jonah Fabisch, Sean Fusire, Prosper Padera
Forwards: Tawanda Chirewa, Knowledge Musona, Terrence Dzvukamanja, Bill Antonio, Tawanda Maswanhise, Walter Musona, Tino Kadewere, Thando Ngwenya.
