Tembo Names Strong Zimbabwe Squad For 2026 Unity Cup Clash With Nigeria

Interim head coach if Zimbabwe Kaitano Tembo has unveiled a 24-man squad for the 2026 Unity Cup, with the Warriors of Zimbabwe set to face the Super Eagles of Nigeria in London later this month.

Tembo selected three goalkeepers, eight defenders, six midfielders and seven attackers for the friendly invitational competition. Only two home-based players made the cut.

Goalkeeper Future Sibanda of ZPC Kariba and midfielder Mongameli Tshuma of Highlanders are the sole domestic representatives in a squad dominated by players based in Europe and Southern Africa.

The headline inclusion is assistant captain Marshall Munetsi, who returns to the national fold after nearly five months away. His absence followed a controversial omission from the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) finals squad by former coach Marian Marinica.

There is also a recall for Udinese defender Jordan Zemura, who rejoins the squad for the first time since November 2025. His return strengthens a defence that already features Divine Lunga, Gerald Takwara and Munashe Garananga.

Zimbabwe will take on Nigeria in the first semi-final of the tournament at The Valley on Tuesday, May 26. The match offers Tembo an early opportunity to stamp his authority and test combinations ahead of upcoming competitive fixtures.

Goalkeepers Marley Tavaziva and Elvis Chipeteze join Sibanda between the posts, while the midfield unit includes Marvelous Nakamba, Jonah Fabisch and Tawanda Chirewa. Up front, experienced striker Tino Kadewere leads an attacking line that also features Prince Dube, Bill Antonio and Daniel Msendami.

Below is the full squad Zimbabwe released for the 2026 Unity Cup:

Goalkeepers
Marley Tavaziva (Brentford, England)
Future Sibanda (ZPC Kariba, Zimbabwe)
Elvis Chipeteze (Magesi FC, South Africa)

Defenders
Munashe Garananga (Hibernian FC, Scotland)
Corbin Mthunzi (Ipswich Town, England)
Shane Maroodza (FK Sarajevo, Bosnia & Herzegovina)
Gerald Takwara (Al-Ittihad Misurata, Libya)
Jordan Zemura (Udinese, Italy)
Divine Lunga (Mamelodi Sundowns, South Africa)
Emmanuel Jalai (Durban City FC, South Africa)
Sean Fusire (Sheffield Wednesday, England)

Midfielders

Mongameli Tshuma (Highlanders FC, Zimbabwe)
Marvelous Nakamba (Sheffield Wednesday, England)
Aboubacar Moffat (Scotland, Zimbabwe)
Jonah Fabisch (Erzgebirge Aue, Germany)
Marshall Munetsi (Paris FC, France)
Tawanda Chirewa (Barnsley FC, England)

Attackers

Tawanda Maswanhise (Motherwell FC, Scotland)
Prince Dube (Young Africans SC, Tanzania)
Junior Zindoga (TS Galaxy, South Africa)
Bill Antonio (KV Mechelen, Belgium)
Daniel Msendami (Orlando Pirates, South Africa)
Tino Kadewere (Aris Thessaloniki, Greece)