Wolverhampton's Tawanda Chirewa Joins Zimbabwe Squad for Crucial World Cup Qualifiers

Zimbabwe's national football team, the Warriors, are set to face Lesotho and South Africa in back-to-back World Cup qualifiers next week. Interim coach Jairosi Tapera has received a significant boost with Wolverhampton star Tawanda Chirewa confirming his availability for these pivotal matches.

Chirewa, 20, has been named in the 23-man squad following an impressive season in the English Premier League, where he made 10 senior team appearances. His inclusion is expected to strengthen the Warriors' chances as they aim for their first-ever World Cup qualification. Tapera confirmed Chirewa's commitment, stating, "I spoke to him yesterday [Wednesday] and he assured me that he is available. He told me that he is travelling today [Thursday] and arriving in South Africa on Friday evening."

The Warriors will host Lesotho at Orlando Stadium in Johannesburg on June 7, 2024, and will then face South Africa's Bafana Bafana at Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein on June 11, 2024. The team has been forced to play their home matches away from home, as there are no CAF or FIFA-approved stadiums in Zimbabwe.

The squad announcement has stirred anticipation and hope among Zimbabweans, who are eager to see their team succeed. The Warriors' determination to secure a place in the 2026 World Cup has earned strong support from both local and international fans. The squad includes seven England-based players, alongside Chirewa, such as Brendan Galloway, Shane Maroodza, Andy Rinomhota, Tivonge Rushesha, Joey Phuthi, and Leicester City's Tawanda Maswanhise.

Meanwhile, the potential return of Khama Billiat to the national team remains uncertain. The 33-year-old winger, who recently joined Yadah FC, retired from international football in November 2021. Despite hinting at a possible comeback, Billiat has not publicly confirmed his decision, complicating the selection process. A source at the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) mentioned, "Those close to him tried to persuade him to even just post on social media that he is coming out of retirement, but he refused." According to reports, Billiat's decision remains unclear.

The full Warriors squad includes goalkeepers Bernard Donovan, Martin Mapisa, and Godfrey Chitsumba; defenders Gerald Takwara, Teenage Hadebe, Brendan Galloway, Munashe Garananga, Andrew Mbeba, Godknows Murwira, Shane Maroodza, and Devine Lunga; midfielders Marshall Munetsi, Andy Rinomhota, Jordan Zemura, Walter Musona, Daniel Msendami, Tivonge Rushesha, Joey Phuthi, and Tawanda Maswanhise; and forwards Tinotenda Kadewere, Tawanda Chirewa, Douglas Mapfumo, and Tymon Machope. For more information on the squad, visit ZWNews.

Interim coach Jairosi Tapera emphasized the importance of having top-tier players available for these vital matches. He mentioned, "It's good for Zimbabwe football to have such a player in the squad who plays at the level he is playing. The English Premier League is one of the best leagues in the world, if not the best, so for him to be playing in that league shows that he is very good."

As Zimbabwe prepares for these pivotal World Cup qualifiers, the inclusion of Tawanda Chirewa and other key players brings a renewed sense of hope and determination. The Warriors are set to give their best performance as they strive to make history by qualifying for the 2026 World Cup.

Key Takeaways

• Zimbabwe's Warriors to face Lesotho and South Africa in World Cup qualifiers.
• Tawanda Chirewa, 20, confirms availability for matches after impressive Premier League season.
• Warriors to play "home" matches in South Africa due to lack of CAF/FIFA-approved stadiums in Zimbabwe.
• Squad includes 7 England-based players, but Khama Billiat's potential return remains uncertain.
• Coach Jairosi Tapera emphasizes importance of top-tier players for vital matches.