Warriors’ coach Michael Nees has named six players from Castle Lager Premier Soccer League flamboyant side Scottland FC which is owned by legislator and gold dealer Scott Sakupwanya in his 2026 World Cup qualifiers squad to play Benin and Nigeria in the upcoming FIFA window.
The German coach has also recalled for captain Knowledge Musona who is currently playing in Saudi Arabia from international retirement as he seeks to rescue the country’s World Cup hopes.
But it is the number of the Scottland FC players who include Walter Musona, Godknows Murwira, Peter Mudhuwa, Mthokozisi Msebe, Khama Billiat and Tymon Machope which is going to send tongues wagging.
Scottland have had a good start to the league season which is only two matches in with two wins as they lead the log standings.
Walter Musona,Billiat, Murwira and Machope have always been part of the team but Msebe and Muduhwa are new comers to the setup under Nees.
There is a total of nine locally based players including Dynamos’ Emmanuel Jalai, Isheanesu Mauchi and goalkeeper Martin Mapisa who plays for MWOS FC.
The German coach named the pair of England based stars Marvellous Nakamba (Luton Town) and Andy Rinomhota (Cardiff City) despite the two being injured for their respective clubs.
Knowledge Musona is making a return to international football after he retired in May in the aftermath of the country’s FIFA suspension.
However, the player affectionately known as the Smiling Assassin has continued to compete at the highest level in the Saudi Pro League where he is attached to Al-Okhdood.
Knowledge Musona has made 20 appearances for Al-Okhdood this season and has scored five goals and provided one assist.
He last featured for the Warriors in their 2 – 1 win over Guinea at the 2021 Afcon finals and scored the opening goal.
Also conspicuous by his absence in the team is US – based defender Teenage Hadebe and Tino Kadewere who is based in France.
Zimbabwe who are currently bottom of the World Cup qualifiers Group C with two points from four matches play Benin on March 20 at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban before travelling to Nigeria for the March 25 tie.
Warriors Squad for the FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers versus Benin and Nigeria.
GOALKEEPERS:
Washington Arubi (Marumo Gallants), Marley Tavaziva (Brentford), Martin Mapisa (MWOS FC)
DEFENDERS:
Jordan Zemura (Udinese), Divine Lunga (Sundowns), Gerald Takwara (Al Minaa SC). Munashe Garananga (FC Copenhagen), Isheanesu Mauchi (Simba Bhora), Peter Muduhwa (Scottland), Godknows Murwira (Scottland), Emmanuel Jalai (Dynamos)
MIDFIELDERS:
Marshail Munetsi (Stade de Reims), Andy Rinomhota (Cardiff City), Marvelous Nakamba (Luton Town), Mthokozisi Msebe (Scottland), Khama Billiat (Scottland), Knowledge Musona (Al-Okhdood). Tawanda Chirewa (Huddersfield Town)
FORWARDS:
Prince Dube (Young Africans), Tawanda Maswanhise (Motherwell), Terrence Dzvukamanja (Supersport United), Tymon Machope (Scottiand), Walter Musona
