Marinica outlines Zimbabwe squad selection criteria

Zimbabwe national team coach Marian Mario Marinica has explained his choice of players for the forthcoming four-nations tournament in Botswana.

Ahead of the invitational tournament to run from March 23 to 31 in Francistown, Marinica sparked debate after leaving out some key players, including Khama Billiat, Walter Musona and France-based midfielder Marshall Munetsi.

Let the countdown begin.

In just 14 days, Zimbabwe steps onto the international stage once again for the Four Nations Tournament in Botswana. #PrideReignited #Bayawabaya pic.twitter.com/sgp5LEaPhW

— Zimbabwe Football Association (@online_zifa) March 14, 2026

The Wolverhampton Wanderers star fell out with the Romanian over the player’s exclusion from the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations squad last December.

Marinica’s squad selection sparks debate

On the other hand, Billiat, the ex-Kaizer Chiefs winger, seems not to be in the coach’s plans. First-choice goalkeeper Washington Arubi was also dropped for reasons that are yet to be established.

Now, the Warriors gaffer has explained to the Zimbabwe Football Association website that he based his selection on balancing energy and experience.

“We are looking forward to this FIFA window and the opportunity to work with the players in a competitive environment. We have selected a squad that gives us experience, energy and quality, and this tournament will be important in helping us continue building the team in the right direction,” the coach said.

Why the tournament in Botswana is strategic for Zimbabwe

The former Malawi mentor said he wants to take advantage of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations warm-up tournament to further evaluate depth, chemistry and readiness.

The tournament will take place at the Obed Itani Chilume Stadium, where the Warriors are scheduled to take on Zambia and Malawi.

Marinica assembled the squad comprising home-based players alongside those drawn from South Africa, across Africa and in Europe. Experienced players in the squad include Teenage Hadebe, Marvelous Nakamba, Knowledge Musona, Prince Dube and Macauley Bonne.

Full squad for Zimbabwe ahead of tournament in Botswana

Goalkeepers: Elvis Chipezeze (Magesi FC), Future Sibanda (ZPC Kariba), Marley Tavaziva (Brentford).

Defenders: Andrew Mbeba (Highlanders), Emmanuel Jalai (Durban City), Corbin Mthunzi (Ipswich Town), Munashe Garananga (Hibernian), Gerald Takwara (Al Itihad Misurata), Isheanesu Mauchi (Chippa United), Teenage Hadebe (FC Cincinnati), Shane Maroodza (Sarajevo).

Midfielders: Bill Antonio (KV Mechelen), Sean Fusire (Sheffield Wednesday), Marvelous Nakamba (Sheffield Wednesday), Jonah Fabisch (FC Erzgebirge Aue), Panashe Makwiramiti (Haverfordwest), Prosper Padera (SJK Seinäjoki).

Forwards: Tawanda Maswanhise (Motherwell), Daniel Musendami (Orlando Pirates), Knowledge Musona (Scottland), Prince Dube (Young Africans), Macauley Bonne (Billericay), Thando Ngwenya (AmaZulu).