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Fabisch ready for the Warriors test
05 Jun 2025 at 09:56hrs | Views
As Zimbabwe's Warriors prepare for back-to-back Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches against Burkina Faso and Niger, one player quietly stands out with a deep sense of legacy, purpose, and readiness - Jonah Fabisch.
The Warriors will face Burkina Faso this Friday, followed by a clash with Niger four days later. Both matches will take place in Morocco, setting the stage for a critical phase in Zimbabwe's qualification campaign.
Fabisch, 22, brings a unique story to the national team. Having previously represented Germany at Under-16 level, he chose to honor his late father's heritage by committing to Zimbabwe - the nation his father cherished deeply.
Reinhard Fabisch, a legendary coach who inspired Zimbabwe's iconic Dream Team of the 1990s, passed away before witnessing his son don the national colors. Yet his influence remains a powerful motivator for Jonah.
"It's really inspirational. My father is the reason why I started playing football and his connection to the Zimbabwe national team as a former coach makes it even more special to be here," Fabisch shared.
He added, "I don't think it puts pressure on me because I have my own career. I have to go my own path. Unfortunately, he is not here to see it, but it draws more strength than pressure."
Currently playing in Germany, Fabisch has impressed Warriors coach Michael Nees with his versatility and tireless work ethic. Known primarily as a box-to-box midfielder, he has adapted to a holding midfield role this season, showing he can perform both.
"I'm both-footed and love to hold and pass the ball. I'm not shy of running and doing the dirty work for the team," Fabisch explained. "I've played more as a box-to-box player but this season I've been more of a holding six, so I can say I can possibly do both."
Fabisch also spoke about his first encounter with coach Nees, who encouraged him to play naturally and contribute his strengths without pressure.
"He welcomed me and said I should play the way I normally do and not try to do anything special. I should just try to bring my strengths to the team," he recalled. "So the message was, I should just try to fit into the team. We just have to be as good as possible and try to help each other."
As Zimbabwe looks to secure vital points in these crucial qualifiers, Fabisch's quiet determination and connection to the nation's football history add an inspiring dimension to the Warriors' campaign.
The Warriors will face Burkina Faso this Friday, followed by a clash with Niger four days later. Both matches will take place in Morocco, setting the stage for a critical phase in Zimbabwe's qualification campaign.
Fabisch, 22, brings a unique story to the national team. Having previously represented Germany at Under-16 level, he chose to honor his late father's heritage by committing to Zimbabwe - the nation his father cherished deeply.
Reinhard Fabisch, a legendary coach who inspired Zimbabwe's iconic Dream Team of the 1990s, passed away before witnessing his son don the national colors. Yet his influence remains a powerful motivator for Jonah.
"It's really inspirational. My father is the reason why I started playing football and his connection to the Zimbabwe national team as a former coach makes it even more special to be here," Fabisch shared.
He added, "I don't think it puts pressure on me because I have my own career. I have to go my own path. Unfortunately, he is not here to see it, but it draws more strength than pressure."
Currently playing in Germany, Fabisch has impressed Warriors coach Michael Nees with his versatility and tireless work ethic. Known primarily as a box-to-box midfielder, he has adapted to a holding midfield role this season, showing he can perform both.
"I'm both-footed and love to hold and pass the ball. I'm not shy of running and doing the dirty work for the team," Fabisch explained. "I've played more as a box-to-box player but this season I've been more of a holding six, so I can say I can possibly do both."
Fabisch also spoke about his first encounter with coach Nees, who encouraged him to play naturally and contribute his strengths without pressure.
"He welcomed me and said I should play the way I normally do and not try to do anything special. I should just try to bring my strengths to the team," he recalled. "So the message was, I should just try to fit into the team. We just have to be as good as possible and try to help each other."
As Zimbabwe looks to secure vital points in these crucial qualifiers, Fabisch's quiet determination and connection to the nation's football history add an inspiring dimension to the Warriors' campaign.
Source - the chronicle
