New Era Begins: ZIFA Explains Munetsi, Billiat Absence in Marinica's First Warriors Squad
Sona Reporter | Sona Headlines & Sona Solar Zimbabwe
ZIFA has unveiled the first Warriors squad under new coach Marian Marinica, a selection defined as much by its surprising omissions as its exciting new inclusions. As Zimbabwe prepares for friendlies against Algeria and Qatar, the football association has clarified the high-profile absences of vice-captain Marshall Munetsi and star forward Khama Billiat.
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| A new-look Warriors squad marks a fresh start under coach Marian Marinica. |
The squad signals a transitional period, blending established stars with fresh talent, including a dream first call-up for the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League's top scorer.
Notable Omissions Explained
Vice-captain Marshall Munetsi was excused from national duty at the request of his English Premier League club, Wolverhampton Wanderers. ZIFA confirmed the club is undergoing a "coaching transition" following the dismissal of VÃtor Pereira and the imminent appointment of Rob Edwards as the new manager, requiring Munetsi to remain with his team during this critical period.
Star forward Khama Billiat was also left out of the squad. In their statement, ZIFA confirmed his exclusion was "for personal reasons," without providing further details on the matter.
The Warriors will also be without two key players due to injury. Former captain Knowledge Musona has been ruled out with a hamstring injury, while Scottland FC's Tymon Machope is unavailable because of a calf strain.
Fresh Talent & A New Gaffer
There was fantastic news for Washington Navaya, who has earned his first national team call-up. The 27-year-old TelOne striker has been in scintillating form, leading the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League scoring charts with 17 goals this season with one match remaining.
The upcoming friendly matches against Algeria (November 13) and Qatar will mark the official debut of newly-appointed coach Marian Marinica. This squad provides the first glimpse into his vision for the team as he takes the helm from his predecessor, Michael Nees.
The Full Warriors Squad
Goalkeepers
- Washington Arubi (Marumo Gallants)
- Elvis Chipezeze (Magesi FC)
- Martin Mapisa (MWOS FC)
Defenders
- Gerald Takwara (Al Ittihad Misurata SC, Libya)
- Munashe Garananga (FC Copenhagen)
- Godknows Murwira (Scottland FC)
- Emmanuel Jalai (Dynamos FC)
- Teenage Hadebe (FC Cincinnati)
- Divine Lunga (Mamelodi Sundowns)
- Brandon Galloway (Plymouth Argyle)
- Isheanesu Mauchi (Simba Bhora)
Midfielders
- Jonah Fabisch (Erzgebirge Aue)
- Tawanda Chirewa (Wolverhampton Wanderers)
- Marvelous Nakamba (Luton Town)
- Sean Fusire (Sheffield Wednesday)
- Prosper Padera (SJK Seinäjoki)
- Jordan Zemura (Udinese)
- Daniel Msendami (Marumo Gallants)
- Tivonge Rushesha
Strikers
- Prince Dube (Young Africans)
- Washington Navaya (TelOne FC)
- Tawanda Maswanhise (Motherwell FC)
- Bill Antonio (KV Mechelen)
- Walter Musona (Scottland FC)
Building a New Power Grid
At Sona Solar Zimbabwe, we understand the importance of building a robust and dynamic system. The unveiling of a new Warriors squad under a new coach is much like upgrading a national power grid. Key components are temporarily offline for maintenance or other reasons (Munetsi, Billiat), while new, high-energy sources (Navaya) are integrated into the network. The challenge for Coach Marinica is to get all the parts—the seasoned veterans and the fresh talent—to work in harmony. A successful team, like a reliable solar power system, requires a clear strategy, disciplined execution, and the ability to generate powerful results when it matters most. This new squad is an opportunity to build a more resilient, energetic, and powerful unit for the future.
Frequently Asked Questions
He was excused at the request of his club, Wolverhampton Wanderers, due to a "coaching transition" and the appointment of a new manager.
According to ZIFA, Khama Billiat was left out of the squad for "personal reasons."
Washington Navaya, a 27-year-old striker for TelOne FC, received his first national team call-up after leading the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League with 17 goals.
The new coach is Marian Marinica. The upcoming friendly matches against Algeria and Qatar will be his first in charge of the team.
David (Solar Sales)