Zimbabwe national football team

Last updated

Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe Football Association.png
Nickname(s) The Warriors
Association Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA)
Confederation CAF (Africa)
Sub-confederation COSAFA (Southern Africa)
Head coach Michael Nees
Captain Marshall Munetsi
Most caps Peter Ndlovu (81)
Top scorer Peter Ndlovu (37)
Home stadium National Sports Stadium
FIFA code ZIM
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First colours
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Second colours
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Third colours
FIFA ranking
Current 117 Increase2.svg 7 (24 October 2024) [1]
Highest39 (April 1994)
Lowest131 (October 2009, February–March 2016)
First international
Flag of Southern Rhodesia (1924-1964).svg  Southern Rhodesia 0–4 Northern Rhodesia  Flag of Northern Rhodesia (1939-1964).svg
(Southern Rhodesia; 1946)
Biggest win
Flag of Botswana.svg  Botswana 0–7 Zimbabwe  Flag of Zimbabwe.svg
(Gaborone, Botswana; 26 August 1990)
Biggest defeat
Flag of South Africa (1928-1982).svg  South Africa 7–0 Rhodesia  Flag of Rhodesia (1968-1979).svg
(South Africa; 9 April 1977)
Africa Cup of Nations
Appearances5 (first in 2004 )
Best resultGroup stage (2004, 2006, 2017, 2019, 2021)
African Nations Championship
Appearances5 (first in 2009 )
Best resultFourth place (2014)
COSAFA Cup
Appearances20 (first in 1997 )
Best resultChampions (2000, 2003, 2005, 2009, 2017, 2018)
Four Nations Football Tournament
Appearances1 (first in 2024 )
Best resultRunner-up (2024)

The Zimbabwe national football team (nicknamed The Warriors) represents Zimbabwe in men's international football and is controlled by the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA), formerly known as the Football Association of Rhodesia. The team has never qualified for the FIFA World Cup finals, but has qualified for the Africa Cup of Nations five times. Zimbabwe has also won the COSAFA Cup a record six times. The team represents both FIFA and Confederation of African Football (CAF).

Contents

History

Southern Rhodesia played their first official match against the England Amateur national football team as part of the latter's tour of South Africa and Rhodesia in June 1929. Southern Rhodesia lost their first two matches against England 4–0 and 6–1, respectively. [2] In 1965, following Southern Rhodesia's Unilateral Declaration of Independence as Rhodesia, FIFA requested that the Football Association of Rhodesia reform to be a multi-racial organisation. Prior to this, only white Rhodesians were selected for the national football team but after 1965 the team became multi-racial. [3] In 1969, Rhodesia took part in the Oceanic 1970 FIFA World Cup qualification tournament. This was their first attempt to qualify for the FIFA World Cup. Contrary to the team being viewed as the representative team of white Rhodesians, the team was multi-racial including black players. [4] They were drawn against the Australia national football team. Both legs were held in Lourenço Marques, Portuguese Mozambique as the Rhodesian team were unable to get Australian visas. Rhodesia drew the first leg 1–1 but lost the second leg 3–1 thus eliminating Rhodesia from qualification. [4]

In 1980, following the country's reconstitution as Zimbabwe, they played their first FIFA World Cup qualifying match for 11 years against the Cameroon national football team. However they lost 2–1 on aggregate after a 1–0 win in the first leg in Salisbury and a 2–0 loss in the second leg. [5] [6] Following this, the country passed a law that people who held British passports would not be permitted to hold a Zimbabwean passport, which mean that players such as goalkeeper Bruce Grobbelaar, who is considered to be Zimbabwe's greatest goalkeeper, [7] were not selected for the national team for 10 years. [8] Following a change in policy that allowed Grobbelaar to play for Zimbabwe, who entered the country on his British passport, Zimbabwe under manager Reinhard Fabisch were one match away from qualifying for the 1994 FIFA World Cup. However, they lost their final qualifying match to Cameroon. [8] [9]

In 2004, Zimbabwe qualified for their first Africa Cup of Nations. During their first match against Egypt, their former anthem "Ishe Komborera Africa" was accidentally played instead of "Simudzai Mureza wedu weZimbabwe", an act which Information Minister Jonathan Moyo called "a cheap attempt by the organisers to demoralise our boys". [10]

In 2015, the Zimbabwe national football team were banned from participating in 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifying due to an unpaid debt to former coach, José Claudinei. [11] At the time, the team was experiencing its strongest period for many years, qualifying for both the 2017 and 2019 Africa Cup of Nations.

On 1 March 2022, Zimbabwe, along with Kenya, was suspended again from international sport due to the interference of the government. Earlier in November 2021, Harare and Nairobi dissolved their federations and were replaced with government-officials. On 31 March, the suspension was made indefinitely and was ratified by FIFA. Suspension is set until Zimbabwe and Kenya meet the demands given by FIFA. The team has produced some of the finest footballers the likes of the legendary Peter Ndlovu who played for Zimbabwe 100 times. He featured in the English premier for Coventry City, Birmingham City, Sheffield United and Huddersfield. Peter Ndlovu is well remembered for the hatrick he scored at Anfield against Liverpool, Bruce Grobelaar former Liverpool Goalkeeper, Norman Mapeza former Galatasary defender, Benjan Mwaruwaru former Man city player. Knowledge Musona former Anderletch and Bundesliga player. Khama Billiat former Mamelodi Sundowns and Kaizer Chiefs player.

Kit provider

Kit providerPeriod
Flag of Italy (2003-2006).svg L-Sporto 2004–2005
Flag of Italy.svg Legea 2006–2009
Flag of Germany.svg Puma 2010–2012
Flag of England.svg Umbro 2013–2014
Flag of Spain.svg Joma 2015–2016
Flag of Singapore.svg Mafro 2017–2018
Flag of England.svg Umbro 2019–2022
Flag of Germany.svg Puma 2023present

Results and fixtures

The following is a list of match results in the last 12 months, as well as any future matches that have been scheduled.

  Win  Draw  Loss  Fixture

2024

23 March Friendly Zambia  Flag of Zambia.svg2–2
(5–6 p)
Flag of Zimbabwe.svg  Zimbabwe Lilongwe, Malawi
Report Stadium: Bingu National Stadium
26 March Friendly Zimbabwe  Flag of Zimbabwe.svg1–3Flag of Kenya.svg  Kenya Lilongwe, Malawi
Report Stadium: Bingu National Stadium
7 June 2026 World Cup qualification Zimbabwe  Flag of Zimbabwe.svg0–2Flag of Lesotho.svg  Lesotho Johannesburg, South Africa
15:00  UTC+2 Report
Stadium: Orlando Stadium
Referee: Thulani Sibandze (Eswatini)
11 June 2026 World Cup qualification South Africa  Flag of South Africa.svg3–1Flag of Zimbabwe.svg  Zimbabwe Bloemfontein, South Africa
18:00  UTC+2
Report Stadium: Free State Stadium
Referee: Mohamed Maarouf Eid Mansour (Egypt)
27 June 2024 COSAFA Cup Zimbabwe  Flag of Zimbabwe.svg1–0Flag of the Comoros.svg  Comoros Gqeberha, South Africa
15:00
Report Stadium: Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium
30 June 2024 COSAFA Cup Zambia  Flag of Zambia.svg0–2Flag of Zimbabwe.svg  Zimbabwe Gqeberha, South Africa
15:00 Report
Stadium: Isaac Wolfson Stadium
2 July 2024 COSAFA Cup Kenya  Flag of Kenya.svg2–0Flag of Zimbabwe.svg  Zimbabwe Gqeberha, South Africa
12:00 Report Stadium: Isaac Wolfson Stadium
6 September 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualification Kenya  Flag of Kenya.svg0–0Flag of Zimbabwe.svg  Zimbabwe Kampala, Uganda
16:00  UTC+3 Report Stadium: Mandela National Stadium
Referee: Adalbert Douf (Senegal)
10 September 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualification Zimbabwe  Flag of Zimbabwe.svg0–0Flag of Cameroon.svg  Cameroon Kampala, Uganda
19:00  UTC+3 Report Stadium: Mandela National Stadium
Referee: Mahmoud El Banna (Egypt)
10 October 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualification Namibia  Flag of Namibia.svg0–1Flag of Zimbabwe.svg  Zimbabwe Johannesburg, South Africa
15:00  UTC+2 Report Billiat Soccerball shade.svg34' (pen.)Stadium: Orlando Stadium
Referee: Patrice Mebiame (Gabon)
14 October 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualification Zimbabwe  Flag of Zimbabwe.svg3–1Flag of Namibia.svg  Namibia Johannesburg, South Africa
18:00  UTC+2
Report
Stadium: Orlando Stadium
Referee: Yannick Malala (DR Congo)
10 November 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualification Zimbabwe  Flag of Zimbabwe.svgvFlag of Kenya.svg  Kenya TBA
Stadium: TBA

Coaching history

Caretaker managers are listed in italics.

Coaching staff

Head coach Flag of Germany.svg Michael Nees
Assistant coaches Flag of Zimbabwe.svg Harold Ngwenya
Flag of Zimbabwe.svg Creedence Zinyemba
Goalkeeping coach Flag of Zimbabwe.svg Austin Chigwedere
Fitness Coach Flag of Zimbabwe.svg Donald Mupfumi
Match Analyst Flag of Zimbabwe.svg Kingsley Chirwa
Doctors Flag of Zimbabwe.svg Dr. Takunda Mavhunga
Flag of Zimbabwe.svg Dr. John Chikokore
Physiotherapists Flag of Zimbabwe.svg James Chikanga
Flag of Zimbabwe.svg Kathleen Mkhize
Flag of Zimbabwe.svg David Nyamuzihwa
Flag of Zimbabwe.svg Richard Mupanga
Team coordinator Flag of Zimbabwe.svg Preston Nyoni
Technical director Flag of Zimbabwe.svg Norman Mapeza
Flag of Botswana.svg Jethro Hunidzarira

Players

Current squad

The following players were selected for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualification matches against Kenya and Cameroon on 6 and 10 September 2024. [12]

Caps and goals are correct as of 11 June 2024, after the match against South Africa.

No.Pos.PlayerDate of birth (age)CapsGoalsClub
1 GK Washington Arubi (1985-08-29) 29 August 1985 (age 39)300 Flag of South Africa.svg Marumo Gallants
1 GK Bernard Donovan (1995-07-12) 12 July 1995 (age 29)60 Flag of Zimbabwe.svg Chicken Inn
1 GK Marley Tavaziva (2004-12-17) 17 December 2004 (age 19)00 Flag of England.svg Brentford B

2 DF Teenage Hadebe (1995-09-17) 17 September 1995 (age 29)404 Flag of the United States.svg Cincinnati
2 DF Gerald Takwara (1994-10-29) 29 October 1994 (age 30)200 Flag of Iraq.svg Al-Minaa
2 DF Andrew Mbeba (2000-02-19) 19 February 2000 (age 24)70 Flag of Zimbabwe.svg Highlanders
2 DF Godknows Murwira (1993-07-04) 4 July 1993 (age 31)60 Flag of Zimbabwe.svg CAPS United
2 DF Munashe Garananga (2001-01-18) 18 January 2001 (age 23)40 Flag of Denmark.svg Copenhagen
2 DF Brendan Galloway (1996-03-17) 17 March 1996 (age 28)30 Flag of England.svg Plymouth Argyle
2 DF Emmanuel Jalai (1999-01-06) 6 January 1999 (age 25)10 Flag of Zimbabwe.svg Dynamos

3 MF Marshall Munetsi (1996-06-22) 22 June 1996 (age 28)291 Flag of France.svg Stade de Reims
3 MF Richard Hachiro (1998-01-27) 27 January 1998 (age 26)120 Flag of Zimbabwe.svg Ngezi Platinum
3 MF Walter Musona (1995-12-12) 12 December 1995 (age 28)102 Flag of Zimbabwe.svg Simba Bhora
3 MF Jordan Zemura (1999-11-14) 14 November 1999 (age 25)100 Flag of Italy.svg Udinese
3 MF Brian Banda (1995-09-09) 9 September 1995 (age 29)70 Flag of Zimbabwe.svg Platinum
3 MF Andy Rinomhota (1997-04-21) 21 April 1997 (age 27)50 Flag of Wales (1959-present).svg Cardiff City
3 MF Daniel Msendami (2000-10-24) 24 October 2000 (age 24)40 Flag of South Africa.svg Marumo Gallants
3 MF Tawanda Maswanhise (2002-11-20) 20 November 2002 (age 22)30 Flag of Scotland.svg Motherwell
3 MF Tawanda Chirewa (2003-10-11) 11 October 2003 (age 21)21 Flag of England.svg Wolverhampton Wanderers

4 FW Tino Kadewere (1996-01-05) 5 January 1996 (age 28)273 Flag of France.svg Nantes
4 FW Prince Dube (1997-02-17) 17 February 1997 (age 27)167 Flag of Tanzania.svg Young Africans
4 FW Obriel Chirinda (1997-01-28) 28 January 1997 (age 27)61 Flag of Zimbabwe.svg Ngezi Platinum
4 FW Douglas Mapfumo (2000-03-01) 1 March 2000 (age 24)10 Flag of South Africa.svg Polokwane City

Recent call-ups

The following players have been called up for Zimbabwe in the last 12 months.

Pos.PlayerDate of birth (age)CapsGoalsClubLatest call-up
GK Raphael Pitisi (2002-10-16) 16 October 2002 (age 22)10 Flag of Zimbabwe.svg Highlanders 2024 COSAFA Cup
GK Joseph Kaunda (2005-09-04) 4 September 2005 (age 19)00 Flag of Zimbabwe.svg Manica Diamonds 2024 COSAFA Cup
GK Martin Mapisa (1998-05-25) 25 May 1998 (age 26)20 Flag of Zimbabwe.svg Dynamos v. Flag of South Africa.svg  South Africa ; 11 June 2024
GK Godfrey Chitsumba (1998-09-18) 18 September 1998 (age 26)10 Flag of Zimbabwe.svg Manica Diamonds v. Flag of South Africa.svg  South Africa ; 11 June 2024

DF Malvern Hativagoni (2002-09-02) 2 September 2002 (age 22)10 Flag of Zimbabwe.svg Bulawayo Chiefs 2024 COSAFA Cup
DF Tawanda Chisi (2000-11-14) 14 November 2000 (age 24)00 Flag of Zimbabwe.svg Manica Diamonds 2024 COSAFA Cup
DF Shane Maroodza (2004-05-18) 18 May 2004 (age 20)00 Flag of England.svg Huddersfield Town 2024 COSAFA Cup
DF Isheanesu Mauchi 00 Flag of Zimbabwe.svg Simba Bhora 2024 COSAFA Cup
DF Divine Lunga (1995-05-28) 28 May 1995 (age 29)230 Flag of South Africa.svg Mamelodi Sundowns v. Flag of South Africa.svg  South Africa ; 11 June 2024
DF Peter Muduhwa (1993-08-11) 11 August 1993 (age 31)140 Flag of Zimbabwe.svg Highlanders v. Flag of Kenya.svg  Kenya ; 26 March 2024
DF Frank Makarati (1994-03-14) 14 March 1994 (age 30)10 Flag of Zimbabwe.svg Dynamos v. Flag of Nigeria.svg  Nigeria ; 19 November 2023

MF Tatenda Tavengwa (1997-03-29) 29 March 1997 (age 27)40 Flag of South Africa.svg Venda 2024 COSAFA Cup
MF Donald Mudadi (1996-03-02) 2 March 1996 (age 28)20 Flag of Zimbabwe.svg Dynamos 2024 COSAFA Cup
MF Joey Phuthi (2005-01-02) 2 January 2005 (age 19)10 Flag of England.svg Sheffield Wednesday 2024 COSAFA Cup
MF Juan Mutudza (1999-04-12) 12 April 1999 (age 25)10 Flag of Zimbabwe.svg Platinum 2024 COSAFA Cup
MF Tinotenda Meke 00 Flag of Zimbabwe.svg Green Fuel 2024 COSAFA Cup
MF Kingsley Mureremba (2005-01-19) 19 January 2005 (age 19)00 Flag of Zimbabwe.svg CAPS United 2024 COSAFA Cup
MF McKinnon Mushore (2000-07-27) 27 July 2000 (age 24)00 Flag of Zimbabwe.svg Highlanders 2024 COSAFA Cup
MF Panashe Mutimbanyoka (2002-02-21) 21 February 2002 (age 22)00 Flag of Zimbabwe.svg Platinum 2024 COSAFA Cup
MF Tivonge Rushesha (2002-07-24) 24 July 2002 (age 22)00 Flag of England.svg Reading v. Flag of South Africa.svg  South Africa ; 11 June 2024
MF Marvelous Nakamba (1994-01-19) 19 January 1994 (age 30)280 Flag of England.svg Luton Town v. Flag of Nigeria.svg  Nigeria ; 19 November 2023
MF Tanaka Shandirwa (1999-12-04) 4 December 1999 (age 24)30 Flag of Zimbabwe.svg Dynamos v. Flag of Nigeria.svg  Nigeria ; 19 November 2023

FW Takunda Benhura (2001-07-31) 31 July 2001 (age 23)10 Flag of Zimbabwe.svg Ngezi Platinum 2024 COSAFA Cup
FW Washington Mapuwa 10 Flag of Zimbabwe.svg Green Fuel 2024 COSAFA Cup
FW Never Rauzhi 10 Flag of Zimbabwe.svg Bulawayo Chiefs 2024 COSAFA Cup
FW Michael Tapera (1998-07-18) 18 July 1998 (age 26)11 Flag of Zimbabwe.svg Manica Diamonds 2024 COSAFA Cup
FW Tymon Machope (1993-07-03) 3 July 1993 (age 31)20 Flag of Zimbabwe.svg Simba Bhora v. Flag of South Africa.svg  South Africa ; 11 June 2024
FW Terrence Dzvukamanja (1994-05-05) 5 May 1994 (age 30)160 Flag of South Africa.svg SuperSport United v. Flag of Nigeria.svg  Nigeria ; 19 November 2023
FW Admiral Muskwe (1998-08-21) 21 August 1998 (age 26)71 Flag of England.svg Exeter City v. Flag of Nigeria.svg  Nigeria ; 19 November 2023

DEC Player refused to join the team after the call-up.
INJ Player withdrew from the squad due to an injury.
PRE Preliminary squad.
RET Player has retired from international football.
SUS Suspended from the national team, red or yellow cards.

Records

As of 19 November 2024 [13]
Players in bold are still active with Zimbabwe.

Most appearances

RankPlayerCapsGoalsCareer
1 Peter Ndlovu 81371991–2007
2 John Phiri U6211983–1997
3 Adam Ndlovu 57341990–2004
Khama Billiat 57182011–present
5 Esrom Nyandoro 5642001–2012
6 Dumisani Mpofu 5201996–2006
Knowledge Musona 52252010–2022
8 Ovidy Karuru 5072007–2021
9 Ronald Sibanda 4931997–2007
10 Onismor Bhasera 4502006–2022
Note:U indicates that a player's statistics are unverified.

Top goalscorers

RankPlayerGoalsCapsRatioCareer
1 Peter Ndlovu 37810.461991–2007
2 Adam Ndlovu 34570.62010–2012
3 Knowledge Musona 25520.482010–2022
4 Agent Sawu 18570.321990–2004
Khama Billiat 18570.322011–present
6 Vitalis Takawira 12300.41992–1998
7 Luke Jukulile 10150.672000–2001
Benjani Mwaruwari 10420.241999–2010
9 Stanley Ndunduma 9170.531983–1989
Cuthbert Malajila 9320.282008–2017

Competitive record

FIFA World Cup

FIFA World Cup record Qualification record
YearRoundPositionPldWD*LGFGAPldWDLGFGA
1930 to 1962 Part of Flag of the United Kingdom.svg  United Kingdom Part of Flag of the United Kingdom.svg  United Kingdom
as Flag of Rhodesia (1968-1979).svg  Rhodesia as Flag of Rhodesia (1968-1979).svg  Rhodesia
Flag of England.svg 1966 Did not enterDid not enter
Flag of Mexico.svg 1970 Did not qualify from Asia/Oceania zone 302124
Flag of Germany.svg 1974 Did not enterDid not enter
Flag of Argentina.svg 1978
as Flag of Zimbabwe.svg  Zimbabwe as Flag of Zimbabwe.svg  Zimbabwe
Flag of Spain.svg 1982 Did not qualify from African zone210112
Flag of Mexico.svg 1986 201112
Flag of Italy.svg 1990 4013110
Flag of the United States.svg 1994 106221110
Flag of France (lighter variant).svg 1998 82241010
Flag of South Korea (1997-2011).svg Flag of Japan.svg 2002 8602116
Flag of Germany.svg 2006 125341716
Flag of South Africa.svg 2010 613246
Flag of Brazil.svg 2014 602449
Flag of Russia.svg 2018 Expelled from qualifying competition [14] Expelled from qualifying competition
Flag of Qatar.svg 2022 Did not qualify from African zone812559
Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg Flag of Mexico.svg Flag of the United States.svg 2026 To be determined402226
Flag of Morocco.svg Flag of Portugal.svg Flag of Spain.svg 2030 To be determined
Flag of Saudi Arabia.svg 2034
Total0/15732220316990

Africa Cup of Nations

Africa Cup of Nations record
Appearances: 5
YearRoundPositionPldWD*LGFGA
Flag of Sudan (1956-1970).svg 1957 to Flag of Nigeria.svg 1980 Not affiliated to CAF
Flag of Libya (1977-2011).svg 1982 to Flag of Mali.svg 2002 Did not qualify
Flag of Tunisia.svg 2004 Group stage14th310268
Flag of Egypt.svg 2006 13th310225
Flag of Ghana.svg 2008 to Flag of Equatorial Guinea.svg 2015 Did not qualify
Flag of Gabon.svg 2017 Group stage14th301248
Flag of Egypt.svg 2019 21st301216
Flag of Cameroon.svg 2021 17th310234
Flag of Cote d'Ivoire.svg 2023 Disqualified due to FIFA suspension
Flag of Morocco.svg 2025 To be determined
Flag of Kenya.svg Flag of Tanzania.svg Flag of Uganda.svg 2027
Flag placeholder.svg 2029
TotalGroup stage5/341532101631

African Nations Championship

African Nations Championship record
Appearances: 5
YearRoundPositionPldWD*LGFGA
Flag of Cote d'Ivoire.svg 2009 Group stage6th303033
Flag of Sudan.svg 2011 11th310223
Flag of South Africa.svg 2014 Fourth place4th623132
Flag of Rwanda.svg 2016 Group stage13th301213
Flag of Morocco.svg 2018 Did not qualify
Flag of Cameroon.svg 2020 Group stage16th300315
Flag of Algeria.svg 2022 Did not qualify
TotalFourth place5/7183781016

African Games

African Games record
YearResultPldWDLGFGA
1965–1987Did not enter
1991–presentSee Zimbabwe national under-23 football team
Total4/4000000

COSAFA Cup

  • 1997  – Qualifying round
  • 1998  – Second place
  • 1999  – Quarter-finals
  • 2000  Winners
  • 2001  – Second place
  • 2002  – Quarter-finals
  • 2003  Winners
  • 2004  – Semi-finals
  • 2005  Winners
  • 2006  – Semi-finals
  • 2007  – First round
  • 2008  – Quarter-finals
  • 2009  Winners
  • 2010 Cancelled
  • 2013  – Second place
  • 2015  – Group stage
  • 2016  – Group stage
  • 2017  Winners
  • 2018  Winners
  • 2019  Third place
  • 2020  Cancelled
  • 2021  – Group stage

CECAFA Cup

  • 1981  – Group stage
  • 1982  – Third place
  • 1983  – Second place
  • 1984  – Group stage
  • 1985  Winners
  • 1987  – Second place
  • 1988  – Fourth place
  • 1989  – Group stage
  • 1990  – Group stage
  • 2009  – Quarter-finals
  • 2011  – Quarter-finals

Honours

Intercontinental

Regional

Minor competitions

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References

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