Controversy erupts over Zimbabwe Warriors' squad selections

Zimbabwe's preparations for the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) 2025 have come under intense scrutiny following Warriors coach Michael Nees' controversial decision to exclude several key regulars from the national squad for the upcoming international friendlies against Burkina Faso and Niger scheduled for June 6 and 8.

These friendlies, initially seen as crucial opportunities to fine-tune the squad, build tactical combinations, and cement a competitive core for the continental tournament, now appear reduced to experimental outings that raise more questions than answers.

Prominent absentees include midfield stalwarts Marshall Munetsi and Andy Rinomhota, as well as defenders Jordan Zemura and Tawanda Chirewa - all of whom have been instrumental in recent Warriors campaigns. Their omission has sparked widespread debate about the rationale behind the selections and the true purpose of these costly overseas friendlies.

If the goal was to solidify a strong team for Afcon 2025, critics ask, why exclude players with proven quality and chemistry? The heavy financial and logistical investment in traveling to Morocco now seems unjustified if the matches are not used to build a solid foundation.

Adding to the confusion is the fallout from the highly publicized scouting tour of the UK by Nees and Zimbabwe Football Association (Zifa) president Nqobile Magwizi earlier this year. The promised influx of UK-based talent has not materialized in the squads announced for either Afcon or the upcoming Cosafa Cup, leading to questions about the tour's effectiveness.

The squads reflect an experimental approach rather than a concerted effort to field the strongest available team. Locally based players such as Godknows Murwira, Donald Mudadi, Tawanda Macheke, and Isheanesu Mauchi have been named in the Morocco friendlies squad, when many feel they would be better placed gaining experience in the Cosafa Cup tournament - a competition traditionally reserved for local talent development.

Further complicating matters is confusion over squad management. While Zifa states that Simon Marange and Joel Lupahla are responsible for the Cosafa Cup team, reports suggest Nees has had significant influence over selections, blurring the lines between the two squads.

Critics also highlight an apparent bias in favor of Scotland-based players, many of whom dominate the Morocco trip roster. This "Scotland team" favoritism has reportedly marginalized talent from the Zimbabwe Premier Soccer League's 17 other clubs. One glaring omission is TelOne striker Washington Navaya, the current PSL top scorer, who has been excluded from the Cosafa Cup squad despite his outstanding local form.

If the Cosafa Cup is truly meant to showcase local stars, Navaya's exclusion raises serious doubts about the criteria guiding player selection. Questions now abound: Are choices based on merit, loyalty, or personal preference? Should the focus be on proven performers like Munetsi, Chirewa, Zemura, and Rinomhota for Afcon, or is the current approach a disjointed experiment?

While Nees has successfully qualified Zimbabwe for Afcon 2025, his recent squad decisions risk undermining the team's chances of performing well on the continental stage. Zimbabwean football fans and pundits alike are calling for greater clarity, strategic coherence, and meritocracy in the national team setup.

The Warriors' road to Afcon demands focused preparation, not confusion and inconsistency. With only months left before the tournament, Zimbabwe's football authorities and coaching staff face mounting pressure to recalibrate and ensure the team is truly ready to compete.