The Confederation for African Football (CAF) has postponed the TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda 2024 to August 2025, just 18 days before the tournament was set to begin.
On January 14, CAF announced that, despite progress in infrastructure development in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, more time is needed to meet the necessary standards.
CAF President Patrice Motsepe expressed gratitude to the Presidents of Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda for their efforts and progress.
He also praised the ongoing construction and renovations and expressed confidence that the facilities would meet CAF standards by August 2025. Said Motsepe:
<blockquote>
I would like to express my deep gratitude to President William Ruto of Kenya, President Samia Suluhu Hassan of Tanzania and President Yoweri Museveni of Uganda for their leadership, commitment and the good progress that has been made in building and upgrading the stadiums, training fields, hotels, hospitals and other infrastructure and facilities in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda for hosting a successful TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (“CHAN”) Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda 2024.
I am impressed with the ongoing construction and renovations of the football infrastructure and facilities in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.
I am confident that the stadiums, training fields, hotels, hospitals and other infrastructure and facilities will be at the requisite CAF standards for hosting, in August 2025, a very successful TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda 2024.
</blockquote>
The draw for CHAN 2024 will be held in Nairobi on January 15, 2025, at 8 PM. The exact date for the tournament’s start in August 2025 will be announced later.
Qualified teams for CHAN 2024 include Kenya (co-host), Tanzania (co-host), Uganda (co-host), Angola, Burkina Faso, Central African Republic, Congo-Brazzaville, DR Congo, Guinea, Madagascar, Mauritania, Morocco, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sudan, and Zambia.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Pindula News

The Africa soccer tournament CHAN 2024 has been postponed to August 2025. The decision was made because more time is needed to meet standards at the host countries. CAF praised Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda for their progress in building stadiums and facilities. The draw for the tournament will be in January 2025, and the tournament will start in August 2025. Teams qualified for CHAN 2024 include the host countries and others like Nigeria, Senegal, and Morocco. Everyone is working hard to make sure the tournament will be successful in 2025.

CAF Postpones CHAN 2024 To August 2025

Zimbabwe’s home-based Warriors have opted to extend their training camp in Francistown, Botswana, until tomorrow after suffering a 3-0 loss to Eswatini in the first leg of the CHAN preliminary round qualifying match at Obed Itani Chilume Stadium.
Following their stay in Francistown, the Warriors will travel to South Africa for the return leg against Eswatini at Mbombela Stadium.
Stand-in coach Takesure Chiragwi and his young squad face the daunting task of needing to score at least four goals without conceding to advance to the next qualifying round.
ZIFA spokesperson Mike Madoda confirmed on Tuesday that the team will depart Francistown for South Africa on Thursday. Said Madoda:
<blockquote>
Warriors are in Francistown until Thursday afternoon whereupon they’ll travel to South Africa for the return leg against Eswatini at Mombela on Saturday. The match will kick off at 6 PM.
</blockquote>
Meanwhile, Chiragwi has strengthened the Warriors’ CHAN squad by calling up the Dynamos duo of fullback Emmanuel Jalai and goalkeeper Martin Mapisa.
Both players will join the rest of the squad in South Africa as they prepare for the return fixture in the first round against Eswatini.
A statement from Dynamos confirmed the call-ups for Jalai and Mapisa, stating:
<blockquote>
Vice-captain Emmanuel Jalai and goalkeeper Martin Mapisa have been called up to join the locally-based Warriors squad in South Africa ahead of Saturday’s 2025 CHAN preliminary round qualifier 2nd leg against Eswatini.
The Warriors need a huge win in Saturday’s match at Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit after losing the 1st leg by a 0-3 scoreline in Francistown, Botswana last Sunday.
Eswatini are using virtually the same players for all competitions including the AFCON and World Cup qualifiers.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

The Warriors, Zimbabwe's soccer team, lost 3-0 to Eswatini. They are now training in Botswana to prepare for the second leg. They need to score four goals to win. The team will go to South Africa for the next match. Two new players from Dynamos have joined the squad. The game is on Saturday at Mbombela Stadium. Eswatini is a tough team, so the Warriors need to work hard to win.

Warriors Extend Training Camp In Botswana After 3-0 Loss To Eswatini

The Zimbabwe home-based Warriors began their African Nations Championship (CHAN) qualifiers in disappointing fashion, suffering a 3-0 defeat to Eswatini in the first leg of the first round, played at the Obed Itani Chilume Stadium in Botswana on Sunday, 27 September.
The match proved to be a challenging outing for the Warriors, who struggled to find their rhythm against a determined Eswatini side.
Despite their efforts, the Warriors were unable to capitalise on scoring opportunities, while Eswatini took full advantage of their chances, securing a commanding lead.
This defeat leaves the Warriors with a mammoth task as they prepare for the return leg set to take place next weekend at Mbombela Stadium in Mpumalanga province, South Africa.
To advance in the qualifiers, Zimbabwe will need to mount an impressive comeback, overcoming the three-goal deficit.
The stakes are high, as the winner of this tie will progress to face Madagascar in the final qualifying round.
The ultimate goal is a coveted spot in the CHAN tournament, which will be co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, where teams composed entirely of home-based players compete for continental glory.
The Warriors will need to rally and deliver a strong performance in the upcoming match to keep their hopes alive for qualification.
Ngezi Platinum Stars head coach Takesure Chiragwi, who serves as an assistant to Warriors head coach Michael Nees, is leading the Warriors’ CHAN campaign. Meanwhile, former Warriors head coach Zdravko Logarušić is at the helm for Eswatini.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

The Zimbabwe home-based Warriors lost 3-0 to Eswatini in the African Nations Championship qualifiers. Eswatini played well and took advantage of opportunities. The Warriors need to win by at least 3 goals in the next match to advance. The winner will face Madagascar in the final round. The goal is to compete in the CHAN tournament. The Warriors must perform better to stay in the competition. Takesure Chiragwi is leading the Warriors' campaign, while Zdravko Logarušić is coaching Eswatini.

Warriors Lose To Eswatini In CHAN Qualifier

The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) has announced the squad for the upcoming African Nations Championship (CHAN) Qualifiers against Eswatini.
The team primarily consists of U23 and U20 players, supplemented by just four senior players. Ngezi Platinum Stars head coach and Warriors assistant coach, Takesure Chiragwi, will lead the team.
Training camp is set to commence in Harare today, Tuesday, October 22, 2024.
CHAN is a biennial tournament organised by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) since 2009, featuring national teams made up of players from their respective domestic leagues rather than international players.
See the full list of players in the squad below:
GOALKEEPERS
Donovan Bernard (Chicken Inn), Joseph Kaunda (Manica Diamonds)
DEFENDERS
Godknows Murwira (Caps United), Allan Chapinduka (TelOne FC), Anotidaishe Gwatidzo (Yadah FC), Thubelihle Jubani (Manica Diamonds), Zibusiso Ruguchu (Herentals), Blessing Kagudu (Herentals), Chris Mukumbira (Bikita Minerals)
MIDFIELDERS
Brian Banda (FC Platinum), Blessed Ndereki (Yadah FC), Mthokozisi Msebe (Simba Bhora), McKinnon Mushore (Highlanders), Tinashe Mashaireni (Kwekwe United), Denzel Mapuwa (Green Fuel), Enock Moyo (Bikita Minerals)
FORWARDS
Obriel Chirinda (Ngezi Platinums), Junior Bunjira (Caps United), Thandolwenkosi Ngwenya (FC Platinum), Tinashe Mavhudzi (Chegutu Pirates), Prince Ndlovu (Highlanders), Ashwin Karengesha (ZPC Kariba).
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

ZIFA, the Zimbabwe Football Association, has picked a young team to play in the African Nations Championship (CHAN) Qualifiers against Eswatini. The team has mostly U23 and U20 players, with only four senior players. Takesure Chiragwi from Ngezi Platinum Stars will coach the team. The training camp starts on October 22, 2024. CHAN is a tournament where teams use local players instead of international ones. The squad includes players like Donovan Bernard, Joseph Kaunda, Godknows Murwira, Allan Chapinduka, and more. More information can be found on the Pindula News website.

ZIFA Announces Youthful Warriors Squad For CHAN Qualifiers

The Warriors have been named as one of the 12 countries from the COSAFA region that will play in the qualifiers for the 2022 African Nations Championship (CHAN) tournament.
This is despite the fact that Zimbabwe is suspended from international football by FIFA.
Three teams from the COSAFA region will qualify for the finals to be held in Algeria in January next year.
Zimbabwe was on Thursday paired with Malawi in the first round of the 2022 CHAN qualifiers.
All qualifying ties are set to be played over two legs, with the winners on aggregate progressing.
First-round first leg matches will be played between 22 and 24 July with the return legs a week later.
Only locally-based players are eligible to participate in the CHAN tournament.
However, Zimbabwe’s participation in the CHAN tournament is by no means guaranteed as they will be disqualified if the FIFA ban is not lifted two weeks from the kick-off of the CHAN games.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/warriors-thrown-life-with-malawi-draw-in-chan-qualifiers/">The Herald</a></h4>

Zimbabwe To Face Malawi In CHAN Qualifiers

Warriors coach Zdravko Logarusic has blamed poor preparations for the national team’s dismal performance at the African Nations Championships (CHAN) tournament in Cameroon.
The Croatian insisted that failure to have a running league meant that players were not in good physical condition to be competitive at the tournament. He said:
<blockquote>Without a running league, it was going to be difficult to get players in their top football condition as they spent the whole season without playing official football.
Yes, they might have trained with their teams but that was not adequate. Again, we got the green light to start training late.</blockquote>
Logarusic insisted that the players did quite well and were unlucky to lose 1-0 to hosts Cameroon in the tournament opener. He said:
<blockquote>Although we did not complain, that Cameroon goal came off a player in an offside position while one of their players had also handled before the goal was scored.
To hold the hosts in that manner despite the preparations is a sign the players did well. Against Mali, we also held our own particularly considering we had four young players who feature in the Under-23 team, Andrew Mbeba, Tatenda Tavengwa, Nelson Chadya and Shadrack Nyahwa.
Coming out with such a scoreline shows the talent we have and how well we played despite not being fully fit.</blockquote>
Zimbabwe was the first country to be eliminated from the tournament in Cameroon, losing all their Group A games to the hosts, Burkina Faso and Mali.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.sundaynews.co.zw/logarusic-speaks-on-chan-failure/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Sunday News</a></h4>

Logarusic Explains Warriors' CHAN Failure

Zimbabwe’s locally-based senior men football team has finished the African Nations Championships (CHAN) finals without registering a single win after losing 1-0 to Mali in their last match.
The Warriors had many challenges t this year’s CHAN tournament including lack of game time as the local league has not resumed since last year.
Some of the players including midfield maestro, Denver Mukamba could not play, allegedly on health grounds.
The Warriors lost their opening match to hosts, Cameroon and also lost the second match to Burkina before last night’s loss to Mali.
Meanwhile, the Warriors coach, Zdravko Loga Logarusic is under the spotlight he alleged that the hosts, Cameroon used juju (witchcraft) to win the opening match.
Some also question his modus operandi after he brutally substituted Amini just four minutes into the match against the Eagles of Mali allegedly for taking a freekick ahead of the team’s designated freekick taker Tatenda Tavengwa.
Logarusic’s charges became the first local side to bow out of the tournament without collecting a single point.
Mali, on the other hand, finished top of Group A after hosts Cameroon settled for a goalless draw against Burkina Faso in another match played at the same time at the Ahmadou Ahidjo Stadium in Yaounde.
More: <a href="https://www.newzimbabwe.com/poor-warriors-finish-chan-finals-winless/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">NewZimbabwe</a>

Winless Zimbabwe Warriors Exit CHAN

The Warriors technical team has not considered dropping from the African Nations Championships (CHAN) squad a player who tested positive for COVID-19 on Friday despite others being placed on standby.
Warriors manager Wellington Mpandare said the player, who has not been named, will remain in isolation until Tuesday when they will conduct the last tests before departure for the tournament on Wednesday. Said Mpandare:
<blockquote>We do understand that one can test positive despite having recovered, hence we will be monitoring the player, and for now he will remain in isolation until Tuesday when we will conduct the last tests ahead of departure for Cameroon on Wednesday.
It is after the Tuesday tests that a decision on replacing any of the 23-man squad will be made.
Despite us having players on standby, it is exciting news that the majority of the 23-man squad have tested negative.
It would have had a negative impact on the team if the results had returned otherwise.</blockquote>
The Warriors’ preparations for CHAN were thrown into disarray when a COVID-19 outbreak hit their camp with head Zdravko ‘Loga’ Logarusic, 10 of his players, and four other officials testing positive for the virus.
Meanwhile, the Warriors resumed training on Saturday after all, but one player returned negative results following the latest round of tests carried out on Friday.
The Warriors leave for Cameroon on Wednesday and clash against the Indomitable Lions on Saturday night in a Group A opener.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.sundaymail.co.zw/boost-for-chan-squad" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Sunday Mail</a></h4>

Warriors Resume Training After Recovering From COVID-19

Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) has confirmed that <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2020/12/29/zifa-9-warriors-chan-players-contract-covid-19/">apart from the 9 players that tested positive for COVID-19</a> yesterday, 5 technical team officials also tested positive for COVID-19.
The officials and players went through routine testing when 9 players tested positive for the novel coronavirus. ZIFA communicated the development in a tweet that stated that:
<blockquote>We confirm that 5 technical officials of the Chan team have also tested positive to covid-19 including some of the coaches bringing the number of those affected to 14 . It’s indeed a painful scenario and huge setback . We pray that all the 14 will prevail and recover soon.</blockquote>
ZIFA also said training was suspended as the body is consulting stakeholders and the team will remain in camp until further notice. The CHAN tournament is scheduled to start on 16 January 2021 in Cameron and Zimbabwe will play Cameroon in the opening match.
Source: <a href="https://twitter.com/online_zifa/status/1344143390116638721/photo/1">ZIFA Twitter </a>

5 CHAN Technical Team Officials Test Positive For COVID-19

A total of 23 locally based players is expected to assemble in Harare this Sunday for final preparations for the African Nations Championship (CHAN) tournament which kicks off next month in Cameroon.
Warriors coach Zdravko Logarusic was yesterday expected to name 23 players from the initial 34 who were in camp before the Christmas.
Warriors team manager, Wellington Mpandare said the final squad has to be submitted to the Confederation of African Football on 6 January. He said:
<blockquote>A squad of 23 players is getting into camp on Sunday, the final list has to be submitted 10 days before the start of the tournament.</blockquote>
Regarding plans for friendly matches, Mpandare said nothing has materialised so far though it is understood that Namibia, Rwanda, Congo Brazzaville are the countries being lined up as opponents for the Warriors.
If the friendly matches do not happen, the Warriors are scheduled to leave for Cameroon on 11 January.
The Warriors have already played practice matches against Premier Soccer League teams such as Bulawayo Chiefs, Dynamos, Ngezi Platinum Stars, Herentals, FC Platinum, Manica Diamonds and Caps United.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.sundaynews.co.zw/warriors-get-back-into-camp-for-final-chan-preps/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Sunday News</a></h4>

Warriors To Resume Camp For CHAN Final Preparations

The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) is in negotiations with the Rwandese and Kenyan football associations for preparatory friendlies ahead of the African Nations Championship (CHAN) to be held in Cameroon in January next year.
Warriors general manager, Wellington Mpandare, on Monday confirmed that negotiations for friendly matches with different countries were ongoing. He said:
<blockquote>We have been in camp with the national team while at the same time we have been negotiating for friendlies with different countries.
We have broken camp for the Christmas Holidays and when we return on the night of December 27 for the resumption of the camp the day after, the team would have been trimmed to 23.
… Of course, there have been injury worries with King (Nadolo), Leeroy (Mavhunga) and Peter (Muduwa) spending some days on the treatment table but they are now fine and will be in the team if they are called back by the coach.</blockquote>
Mpandare added that if the team manages to secure the friendly matches as is most likely, the team will leave the country on January 4.
The biannual tournament, reserved for players plying their trade in their respective local leagues runs between January 16 and February 7.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/zifa-to-secure-friendlies-for-chan-team/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Chronicle</a></h4>

ZIFA Forages For Warriors CHAN Squad Friendlies

Warriors head coach Zdravko Logarusic is likely to select either Dynamos captain Partson Jaure or Chicken Inn defender Ian Nekati to captain the Warriors at the sixth edition of the African Nations Championship (CHAN) to be held next year.
An insider told NewsDay that one of the two defenders will likely get the armband as both have gained invaluable experience by playing for the regular Warriors team. He said:
<blockquote>He (Loga) is likely to choose between Jaure and Nekati. Remember Nekati was the captain before the CHAN qualifiers and it is likely to be a toss-up between him and Jaure. It is highly likely one of them will be given the armband.</blockquote>
Jaure wore the skipper’s armband in 2014 when the Warriors reached the semi-finals in South Africa and also during the qualifiers for next year’s edition.
Zimbabwe is one of the only three teams that have appeared at the biennial soccer showcase since its inception in 2009 along with the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda.
The Warriors will play hosts Cameroon in the opening match before facing the Stallions of Burkina Faso in the second match of Group A and conclude their group matches with a clash against the Eagles of Mali.
The tournament kicks off on January 16 and winds down on February 7.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/2020/12/logas-headache-over-captain/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">NewsDay</a></h4>

Jaure Or Nekati For Warriors' Captaincy

Warriors striker King Nadolo’s ankle injury is not as serious as initially feared, national team physiotherapist Admire Nyamadzawo has said.
Nadolo could be on the sidelines for only three weeks and the Warriors technical team is hopeful that the attacker will have fully recovered by the time that the African Nations Championships (CHAN) starts early next month. Said Nyamadzawo:
<blockquote>The injury is not too serious as we had feared. He has notable ankle swelling and injury to two muscles that pass through the ankle, the extensor hallucis longus and extensor digitorum longus. He is going to be out for at least three weeks.</blockquote>
Nadolo was on the receiving end of a rough tackle during the team’s friendly match against Caps United last week which consigned him to crutches.
Meanwhile, the CHAN tournament, exclusively for players that play in the domestic league, start on January 16 and ends on February 7 in Cameroon.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/2020/12/relief-for-loga/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">NewsDay</a></h4>

Nadolo Set For Spell On The Sidelines

Warriors coach Zdravko Logarusic has made more changes to the African Nations Championships (CHAN) squad.
On Wednesday, the Croatian roped in Manica Diamonds FC’s Talent Chamboko while Simbarashe Chinani, Ishmael Wadi and Juan Mutudza were released.
Several players have already been jettisoned from the original squad of 34 players that were picked by assistant coaches Lloyd Chitembwe and Tonderai Ndiraya.
Some players initially overlooked for the squad have been called up as Loga gets to watch some of the players for the first time.
On Monday Mutare-based side Manica Diamonds beat the national side 3-2 in the capital in a friendly match.
Loga revealed that he was discovering new players in the friendlies and intimated that he will continue to reconfigure the squad. He said:
<blockquote>We have players who are doing well in these friendly matches from other clubs so we might make some changes to make the team stronger.</blockquote>

Chamboko Called Up For Warriors CHAN Squad, 3 Players Released

The Warriors manager Zdravko Logarusic has called up five more players to the African Nations Championships (CHAN) squad.
The five are Carlos Mavhurume, Tafadzwa Jaravani, Richard Hachiro, Ronald Chitiyo and Munyaradzi Diro Nyenye.
This comes after Logarušić dropped six players from the CHAN squad recently. The players who were axed are Phenias Bamusi, Valentine Musarurwa, William Manondo, Collins Duwa, Xolani Ndlovu and Valentine Kadonzvo.
Reports suggest that the six were dropped from the squad after they failed to impress the Croatian in friendly matches against local clubs.
Logarusic has earlier been forced to drop six FC Platinum players from his squad as the Premier Soccer League (PSL) champions are engaged in the Caf Champions League.
The Warriors played three friendly matches last week against Ngezi Platinum Stars, Caps United and Yadah Stars to assess the players in camp.
More friendlies are planned for the Warriors, with Dynamos and FC Platinum thought to have both agreed to the friendly matches.

Logarusic Adds 5 New Players To Warriors CHAN Squad

Zimbabwe national football team coach Zdravko Logarušić has reportedly dropped six players from the African Nations Championships (CHAN) squad who failed to impress in friendly matches against local clubs.
The affected players have been named as Valentine Musarurwa, Valentine Kadonzvo, Collins Duwa, Phineas Bhamusi, Xolani Ndlovu and William Manondo.
There was, however, no confirmation of this development from national team general manager Wellington Mupandare on Sunday but NewsDay reported sources saying the Croatian had already identified players that would be drafted as replacements.
Those who impressed Loga during the friendlies and are likely to be drafted into the fold include Caps United pair of Tafadzwa Njaravani and former Warriors midfielder Richard Hachiro.
The Warriors played three friendly matches last week against Ngezi Platinum Stars, Caps United and Yadah Stars to assess the players in camp.
The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) are still in negotiations with possible opponents for other friendlies and it is believed that Dynamos and FC Platinum have both agreed to the friendly matches.
The team will break camp on Monday for the festive season and regroup seven days later.
The CHAN tournament starts on January 16 with Zimbabwe playing hosts Cameroon before facing Burkina Faso and Mali in other Group A matches.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/2020/12/loga-chops-off-six/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">NewsDay</a></h4>

Logarusic Reshuffles Warriors CHAN Squad

The <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Zimbabwe_National_Football_Team">Warriors</a> technical team has named 34 players in the provisional squad for the CHAN finals to be played in Cameroon from the 16th of January next year.
The players are expected to be in the camp between the 6th and 20th of December, break camp for the festive period between the 21st and the 27th December, and then regroup on 28 December until 15 January.
Zimbabwe will play against Cameroon, Burkina Faso and Mali in the group stage of the tournament.
Warriors CHAN provisional squad:
Goalkeepers: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Ariel_Sibanda">Ariel Sibanda</a> (<a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Highlanders_Football_Club">Highlanders</a>), Simbarashe Chinani (<a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Dynamos_Football_Club">Dynamos</a>), <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Nelson_Chadya">Nelson Chadya</a> (<a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Ngezi_Platinum_F.C.">Ngezi Platinum Stars</a>), <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Petros_Mhari">Petros Mhari</a> (<a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/FC_Platinum">FC Platinum</a>)
Defenders: Xolani Ndlovu (<a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Chicken_Inn_Football_Club">Chicken Inn</a>), Peter Muduwa (Highlanders), <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Partson_Jaure">Partson Jaure</a> (Dynamos), <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Valentine_Musarurwa">Valentine Musarurwa</a> (Harare City), Ian Nekati (Chicken Inn), <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Qadr_Amini">Qadr Amini</a> (Ngezi Platinum Stars), Frank Makarati (Ngezi Platinum), Raphael Muduviwa (FC Platinum), Pawell Govere (Golden Eagles), Andrew Mbeba (Highlanders)
Midfielders: Juan Mutudza (Dynamos), Valentine Kadonzvo (Chicken inn), <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Ralph_Kawondera">Ralph Kawondera</a> (FC Platinum), Trevor Mavunga (<a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Triangle_United_Football_Club">Triangle</a>), <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Phenias_Bamusi">Phenias Bamusi</a> (<a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Caps_United_Football_Club">Caps United</a>), Wellington Taderera (Ngezi Platinum), <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Devon_Chafa">Devon Chafa</a> (Ngezi Platinum), Kelvin Madzongwe (FC Platinum), <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Silas_Songani">Silas Songani</a> (FC Platinum), <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Collins_Dhuwa">Collins Dhuwa</a> (Triangle United), <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Tichaona_Chipunza">Tichaona Chipunza</a> (Chicken Inn), Ishmael Wadi (Caps United), <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Leeroy_Mavunga">Leeroy Mavunga</a> (Caps United), Nqobizitha Masuku (Highlanders), Tatenda Tavengwa (Harare City), <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/King_Nadolo">King Nadolo</a> (Dynamos)
Strikers: Obriel Chirinda (Chicken Inn), <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Stanley_Ngala">Stanley Ngala</a> (FC Platinum), Thomas Chideu (<a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Harare_City_FC">Harare City</a>), William Manondo (Harare City)

34-man Warriors Provisional Squad For CHAN Finals Named

FC Platinum coach Hendrikus Pieter de Jongh said that the mini-league proposed by the government and embraced by the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) should be abandoned as it exposes players to the coronavirus.
De Jongh said ZIFA should instead, channel its resources towards preparing the senior men’s national team for the African Nations Championship (CHAN).
This comes after ZIFA came up with the idea of a mini-league tournament which is set to be contested by Premier Soccer League (PSL) sides in December at a cost of over US$1 million.
The Dutchman opined that the money should be used to support the Warriors and FC Platinum who will be playing in the 2020/21 CAF Champions League. Said De Jongh:
<blockquote>My advice is for Zifa to support the Warriors for Chan and FC Platinum in the Champions League 100%. Just give the month of December to national team coach (Zdravko Logarusic) and FC Platinum.
The national team coach selected 30 players (for Chan) and he can go into training with them and have a good preparation for Chan except for FC Platinum players because we are preparing for Champions League.
The national team can then play two friendly matches against FC Platinum in December which will be good for both at a low cost and easy to control environment for the coronavirus.
Players can be tested for COVID-19 before arrival and when they leave for home. I think this is the best way; cheap and safe; that is a personal opinion.</blockquote>
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/2020/10/de-jongh-calls-out-zifa/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">NewsDay</a></h4>

FC Platinum Coach Urges ZIFA To Abandon Mini-league Proposal

The Warriors squad will commence its their 10-day camp today (Monday), ahead of the upcoming African Nations Championship (CHAN) finals to be held in Cameroon next month.
The players will start training tomorrow (Tuesday), under the watchful eye of newly-appointed coach <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Zdravko_Logarusic" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Zdravko Logarusic</a>, who will be taking the Warriors through their paces for the first time.
<a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Zimbabwe_Football_Association_(ZIFA)" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA)</a> acting Chief Executive Officer Xolisani Gwesela, who is the Association’s spokesperson had this to say:
<blockquote>We are expecting all players called to be in camp today to start training for the CHAN finals. They will start training tomorrow (Tuesday).</blockquote>
The players were initially expected to start camp yesterday (Sunday) but there have since been some logistical changes.
Meanwhile, Logarusic said that some players who are not part of the provisional squad may still be called up to join the camp.
<h4>More: <a href="https://ztn.co.zw/stream/2020/03/warriors-start-camp-for-chan/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">ZTN</a></h4>

Warriors Players Start Camp For CHAN Tournament

Warriors coach <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Zdravko_Logarusic" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Zdravko Logarusic</a> will on Monday announce the squad for the African Nations Championship (CHAN) tournament to be hosted by Cameroon from April 4–25.
The Croatian will announce 27 players, including three goalkeepers for the training camp that will start on March 8. The squad will later be reduced to the final 23-man team that will travel to Cameroon for the tournament. Logarusic said:
<blockquote>The squad will be out on Monday. Already we have sent letters to the clubs. We thought we should not announce the squad until the clubs get the letters.
I have considered that every position should have two players and added two extra plus three keepers because some can get injured in training.</blockquote>
The Warriors coach also revealed that his assistants and some of the Premier Soccer League coaches helped him to select the squad. He added:
<blockquote>I spoke with former coaches and those that are there now and others I met. Each of them gave me a list of 24 players.
Then when I put together all of them, I picked around 20 players who were featuring on all the lists submitted. Then four I just selected by myself.
Each coach put two players for a single position so it’s the input of the coaches. When a name features in the entire coaches list, that means that player is good. That’s how I did it for this selection.</blockquote>
Zimbabwe were placed in Group A alongside West African opponents in hosts Cameroon, Mali and Burkina Faso.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.thestandard.co.zw/2020/03/01/chan-squad-tomorrow/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Standard</a></h4>

Warriors CHAN Squad To Be Announced On Monday

The <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Zimbabwe_Premier_Soccer_League" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Premier Soccer League</a> has not yet consented to the <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Zimbabwe_Football_Association_(ZIFA)" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Zimbabwe Football Association’s (ZIFA)</a> request to have the 2020 season start early to ensure that the national team is ready for the African Nations Championship (CHAN) finals.
Newly-appointed Warriors coach <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Zdravko_Logarusic" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Zdravko Logarusic</a> is seeking to have the league campaign kick off early so that he has enough time to assess players he would want to take to CHAN.
ZIFA spokesperson, Xolisani Gwesela, said they have engaged the PSL to have the alleged match-fixing case involving Herentals, which is delaying the confirmation of teams that will participate in the 2020 season, finalised. Said Gwesela:
<blockquote>We are engaging the PSL on that (early start of the league) to try and come up with a win-win situation. The engagement process is ongoing.</blockquote>
Meanwhile, the PSL said it has not received any communication either from ZIFA or Logarusic.
PSL spokesperson Kudzai Bare insisted that fixtures will only be released on March 6 after the annual general meeting (AGM).
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/zifa-psl-on-collision-course-over-chan-finals/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Herald</a></h4>

PSL Unaware Of ZIFA Request For Early Season Kick-off

Captain of the Warriors squad made up of locally-based players, <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Partson_Jaure" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Partson Jaure</a> has implored the <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Zimbabwe_Football_Association_(ZIFA)" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA)</a>, to organise an early camp and friendly matches before the 2021 African Nations Championship (CHAN) to held in Cameroon in April.
Zimbabwe is in Group A with the hosts Cameroon, Burkina Faso and Mali. Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Jaure:
<blockquote>I think the management should organize an early camp for us and a few international friendlies before the tournament.
This will help us to bond and know each other on the field. The matches will also help us to work on our strengths and weaknesses as a team.</blockquote>
Jaure added that the Warriors’ target is not just to go Cameroon to add numbers but to participate and represent the nation well.
He said Zimbabwe can at least get to the finals with full support from the ZIFA board and fans.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.hmetro.co.zw/jaures-chan-plea/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">H-Metro</a></h4>

Jaure Urges ZIFA To Organise Friendlies Ahead Of CHAN

Here is a list of the CHAN 2020 Finals Draw Procedure to be done in Cameroon tonight as tweeted by ZIFA:
<blockquote>Here’s the draw procedure of the CHAN 2020 finals taking place in Cameroon tonight at 8pm. In pot 4 4 groups of 4 teams each
<ol>
<li> Pot 1 Cameroon, Morocco, Zambia, Libya </li>
<li>Pot 2 DRC, Guinea, Mali, Rwanda </li>
<li>Pot 3 Uganda, Congo, Namibia, Burkina Faso</li>
<li> Pot 4 ZIM, Niger, Togo, Tanzania</li>
</ol>
</blockquote>
The African Nations Championships will be held in Ethiopia from 4 to 20 April.
Source: <a href="https://twitter.com/online_zifa/status/1229318071199903744">Twitter </a>

LIST: CHAN 2020 Finals Draw Procedure

Today the Warriors will take on Lesotho in the second leg of the 2020 African Nations Championship. The Warriors played <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2019/09/22/warriors-beat-lesotho-in-chan-match-at-the-national-sports-stadium/">Lesotho last month and won 3-1. </a>
The Warriors gaffer <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Joey_Antipas">Joey Antipas</a> described his boys as ready to roll as they plan n flooring the hosts this afternoon:
<blockquote>The guys are ready to roll. They understand what’s at stake. Our game plan is simple, we won’t be reckless and attack from the onset. We’ll play our normal game, try to defend our goals and get them on breaks. We are not desperate to go out there and score. We only need to contain them, manage the game and keep them at bay. The main thing is to qualify because you can win the game and qualify, you could lose the game and qualify, you could also draw the game and still qualify. When you are playing away from home, you cannot go and attack Red Indians willy-nilly. If you do that you are exposing yourselves</blockquote>
The second leg of the African nations Champions is played in Maseru and the boys arrived early yesterday and they have had the feel of the artificial turf they will play on today.
More: <a href="https://www.sundaynews.co.zw/warriors-out-to-finish-off-lesotho/">Sunday News</a>

Warriors Take On Lesotho Today

Warriors interim coach Joey Antipas has named a provisional 26-member squad for the final CHAN qualifying round match against Lesotho.
The first leg will be played at National Sports Stadium on September 22, while the return fixture is on October 20 in Maseru, Lesotho.
Here is the Provisional Squad:
Goalkeepers 
1. Nelson Chadya (Ngezi Platinum Stars) 
2. Maxwell Nyamupanedengu (Harare City) 
3. Ariel Sibanda (Highlanders) 
4. Simbarashe Chinani (Dynamos)
Defenders 
5. Peter Muduhwa (Highlanders) 
6. MacClive Phiri (Highlanders) 
7. Ian Nekati (ZPC Kariba) 
8. Xolani Ndlovu (Chicken Inn) 
9. Partson Jaure (Manica Diamonds) 
10. Nomore Chinyerere (Hwange) 
11.Lawrence Mhlanga (FC Platinum)
Midfielders 
12. Nqobizitha Masuku (Highlanders) 
13. Juan Mutudza (Herentals) 
14. Joel Ngodzo (Caps United) 
15. Ralph Kawondera (Triangle United) 
16. Leeroy Mavunga (Yadah Stars) 
17. Valentine Kadonzvo (Chicken Inn) 
18. Sipho Ndlovu (Chicken Inn) 
19. Ian Nyoni (Chapungu) 
20. Tichaona Chipunza (Chicken Inn)
Strikers 
21. Never Tigere (FC Platinum) 
22. Wellington Taderera (Black Rhinos) 
23. William Manondo (Harare City) 
24. Prince Dube (Highlanders) 
25. Evans Katema (Dynamos) 
26. Obriel Chirinda
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.soccer24.co.zw/2019/09/13/provisional-warriors-squad-for-chan-qualifier-announced/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Soccer24</a></h4>

Antipas Names Provisional Squad For CHAN Qualifier

The Warriors have walloped Mauritius 4-0 in the first leg of the second round encounter of 2020 CHAN Qualifiers.
The match was initially scheduled for Sunday, 28 July 2019 but it was delayed until Monday [today] due to a waterlogged pitch at New George V Stadium in Curepipe.
Mauritius fielded an Under-20 side in the match as their senior team was in action over the weekend at the Indian Ocean Island Games, Soccer24 reports.
Leeroy Mavunga and Never Tigere both scored a brace against a youthful Mauritian side.
The two nations square off again now in the second leg set for next weekend at Barbourfields Stadium in Bulawayo. The winner will then face either South Africa or Lesotho.
South Africa lost 3-2 away to Lesotho in the first leg on Sunday after fielding mostly players from the Under-23 side.
More: <a href="https://www.soccer24.co.zw/2019/07/29/warriors-thump-mauritius-in-chan-qualifier/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Soccer24</a>

Warriors Wallop Mauritius 4-0 In CHAN Qualifier

After being knocked out of the African Nations Championship (Chan) by Namibia, the Zimbabwe Warriors have failed a complaint with the match commissioner. The Warriors are alleging that the Namibians used foreign based players something which goes against the rules as Chan is exclusively for players plying their trades in the domestic leagues.
Team manager wellington Mpandare told the Daily News:
<blockquote>We notified the commissioner and I’m sure he will take it up with Caf as per procedure. We got wind of this development during the first leg in Windhoek we tried to raise concern but we could not file the report due to logistical challenges and the match official left soon after the match before we had done anything.
It will be difficult to try and get the result in our favour now and looking at the match, the Namibians definitely wanted it more than us, they won and they deserve to go through to the next round.
But if they are found wanting in trying to cheat the system then they will have to face the music and allow justice to prevail.</blockquote>
 
More: <a href="https://www.dailynews.co.zw/articles/2017/07/25/zifa-cries-foul">Daily News</a>

Warriors file complaint, allege that Namibia used foreign based players

The Zimbabwe men’s senior football team, the Warriors, were knocked out of the African Nations Championship (Chan) after losing a penalty shoot out 4-5 to Namibia in the second leg of the Chan qualifiers which was played at the National Sports Stadium on Sunday.
 
https://youtu.be/voJL89kcfDk

CAF Latest News

Latest Jobs