Coach Ramon Catala Names First Warriors Squad For 2027 AFCON Qualifiers

New Zimbabwe Warriors coach Ramon Catala has taken his first major step towards the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations campaign.

The Spanish coach has announced a 28-player provisional squad for Zimbabwe’s opening qualifying assignments.

The Warriors are set to face Sierra Leone before taking on the Democratic Republic of Congo in their first two Group J qualifiers.

The squad features a blend of established internationals, overseas-based players and several footballers from Zimbabwean clubs.

Experienced Core Retained

Catala has kept several familiar names in his first selection.

Wolves midfielder Marshall Munetsi is among the midfielders called up, alongside Andy Rinomhota of Reading and Marvellous Nakamba of Panetolikos.

Knowledge Musona also makes the provisional squad after returning to Zimbabwean club football with Scottland.

The attacking options include Tino Kadewere, Prince Dube, Tawanda Maswanhise, Bill Antonio and Daniel Msendami.

The defensive department includes several players based outside Zimbabwe.

Jordan Zemura, who recently joined Watford, has been included alongside Mamelodi Sundowns defender Divine Lunga.

Munashe Garananga, who plays for Danish side Lyngby BK, also gets the nod.

Catala has further called up Corbin Mthunzi of Ipswich Town, Shane Maroodza of Sarajevo and Sean Fusire of Sheffield Wednesday.

Liverpool defender Isaac Mabaya is another notable inclusion.

Brendan Galloway, currently unattached, has also been named.

Scottland, who are preparing for their own CAF Champions League campaign, have several players in the Warriors squad.

Goalkeeper Nelson Chadya is included alongside defenders Emmanuel Jalai, Kevin Moyo and Peter Muduhwa.

Midfielder Abubakar Moffat and veteran forward Musona complete the Scottland contingent.

The selection gives the newly established club a significant presence in the national team setup.

Catala has selected four goalkeepers for the provisional squad.

Elvis Chipezeze of Magesi is joined by Scottland’s Chadya and Martin Mapisa of Hardrock.

Marley Tavaziva, who is currently unattached, completes the goalkeeping department.

The squad marks the beginning of Catala’s tenure as Warriors coach as Zimbabwe prepares for a demanding qualifying campaign.

The coach will now assess his players before finalising his matchday selections for the opening fixtures.

Zimbabwe’s first two matches against Sierra Leone and the DRC could prove important in setting the tone for their bid to reach the 2027 AFCON finals.