The Zimbabwean Warriors have encountered a significant challenge as they gear up for their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Nigeria’s Super Eagles and Benin Republic. Their captain, Marvelous Nakamba, has been sidelined due to injury, putting the team’s preparations in jeopardy.
To address this setback, coach Michael Nees has called up Richard Hachiro from Ngezi Platinum Stars. This opportunity marks a pivotal moment for Hachiro to prove himself as the Warriors get ready for these crucial games.
Nakamba’s leadership and experience were vital to the team, both on and off the pitch, making his absence a considerable blow.
The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) has wasted no time in reacting to Nakamba’s withdrawal by bringing Hachiro, who was on the standby list, into the fold.
Hachiro most recently represented the national team during their successful AFCON 2025 qualification campaign under Nees. He joins a contingent of home-based players, including goalkeeper Martin Mapisa, Emmanuel Jalai, and Isheanesu Mauchi, who departed for South Africa on Sunday.
Alongside them are six players based in Scotland, including former Kaizer Chiefs star Khama Billiat, Walter Musona, and Godknows Murwira.
The first group of 10 home-based players has already landed in Durban. Nees plans to hold a three-day training camp ahead of Zimbabwe’s match against Benin at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Thursday.
Following that, the Warriors will head to Uyo for a crucial encounter with the Super Eagles on March 25.
Currently, Zimbabwe finds itself at the bottom of Group C with just two points, while Nigeria sits slightly ahead in fifth place with three points.
