Zimbabwe turns to former Mamelodi Sundowns star for inspiration
Ahead of their first competitive match since the FIFA suspension was lifted, Zimbabwe have turned to a former Mamelodi Sundowns star for inspiration.
The Warriors of Zimbabwe return to competitive action on Wednesday against Rwanda in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
Prior to this, Zimbabwe’s FIFA membership was suspended over government interference in the country’s football association. The 18-month-long FIFA suspension was lifted at the start of July.
WHO ZIMBABWE TURNED TO FOR INSPIRATION
And as they return to the international arena, the Zimbabwe Football Association[ZIFA] has roped in Peter Ndlovu for inspiration.
Peter Ndlovu is one of Zimbabwe’s revered former players having scored 38 goals in 100 national team caps.
He also captained the Warriors to their first-ever Africa Cup of Nations [AFCON] finals back in 2004. The ex-Mamelodi Sundowns star and current team manager joined Zimbabwe in Rwanda ahead of the qualifiers.
He is expected to play an inspiring role in the current crop of Zimbabwe national team players.
Zimbabwe is pencilled to take on Rwanda on Wednesday at the Huye Stadium. They will stay in Rwanda where they will host Nigeria on the 19th of November at the same venue.
The Southern African nation will play its home match against Nigeria in Rwanda since they do not have a CAF-approved stadium.
CURRENT AND FORMER PSL STARS IN THE WARRIORS SQUAD
Meanwhile, the Zimbabwean squad boosts of former PSL stars who are plying their trade overseas.
These include former Kaizer Chiefs defender Teenage Hadebe who is currently in the books of MLS side Houston Dynamo.
Former Orlando Pirates midfielder Marshal Munetsi is also part of the team as well as Luton Town’s Marvellous Nakamba. The SuperSport United duo of Washington Arubi and Terrence Dzvukamanja constitute the current PSL stars in the squad.
Sundowns defender Devine Lunga was also roped in despite being starved of game time at the Tshwane giants.
The Warriors are in the same group as Bafana Bafana along with Nigeria, Benin, Rwanda, and Lesotho.
Bafana Bafana take on Benin on the 18th at home before travelling for a date with Rwanda, three days later.
The top teams in each pool will qualify for the World Cup finals, with the four best runners-up entering a playoff stage scheduled for 2025.
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