Zimbabwe names COSAFA Cup squad with mix of experience and youth

Zimbabwe in training ahead of an African Nations Championship (CHAN) qualifying match in October. Photo: Zimbabwe Football Association

With the senior national team in action for friendly matches against Niger and Burkina Faso, a separate squad was announced on Wednesday for Zimbabwe's entry in the 2025 COSAFA Cup. Under-20 national team coach Simon Marange will oversee the Warriors at the COSAFA Cup and his squad was confirmed on Wednesday by the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA).

The Warriors will take part in a difficult Group A with hosts South Africa as well as Mozambique and minnows Mauritius. Only the group winner will qualify for the semifinals, leaving little margin for error. Zimbabwe begins their tournament on June 4 against Mauritius.

ZIFA's revamped efforts to recruit dual national players abroad has seen one new recruit in a young squad. Former Wales U-19 international Menzi Mazwi, currently based at Birmingham City, has been called in. The 18-year-old is joined by other UK-based players who represented Zimbabwe at the COSAFA U-20 Championship in 2024 including Tanaka Cherera (Bury FC), Kennedy Mupomba (Chelmsford FC) and Kurainashe Musanhi (Crystal Palace).

Players based in Zimbabwe's Premier Soccer League round out the squad, bringing experience. Goalkeeper Martin Mapisa is included while Highlanders defender Andrew Mbeba will captain the side after gaining experience representing the Warriors in 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying.

Zimbabwe senior national team captain Marvelous Nakamba encouraged the players called in to the team, referencing how the COSAFA Cup provided a springboard for his career when he participated with the under-20 national team.

“I think for young players, it’s a great opportunity to play in this tournament. Before I moved to Europe, I also played in the Under-20 team, I think when I was 15 or 16. So, for young players, I think it’s a great opportunity for them," the Luton Town midfielder said in comments reported by The Herald.

“Like the coach said, every time is an opportunity for players. We have a lot of good players here in Zimbabwe and, of course, not everyone will make it. But those who are fortunate should make use of this chance."

Zimbabwe will follow their match against Mauritius with a June 7 clash against hosts South Africa before finishing up Group A play against Mozambique on June 10.