Magesi FC goalkeeper Elvis Chipezeze is set to make a grand return to the Zimbabwe Senior Men’s football team, the Warriors, after a long hiatus from international football.
Chipezeze’s name was announced by Warriors coach Michael Nees today. He will compete for the starting berth with veteran Washington Arubi and youngster Marley Tavaziva from Brentford in upcoming friendlies against West African sides Niger and Burkina Faso in Morocco.
The former Chicken Inn goalkeeper now 35, made his debut on 5 June 2019 in a 2019 COSAFA Cup match against Zambia.
He was then selected for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations squad. Unfortunately, his performance against the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where the Warriors lost 4-0, cost him his place in the team.
Since then, he has been overlooked, with many still citing the DRC encounter. However, Chipezeze has been impressive for his team, which plays in the South African Betway Premiership.
The Warriors will travel to Casablanca, Morocco, to take on Burkina Faso on 6 June 2025, followed by a clash against Niger on 10 June 2025.
Meanwhile, Orlando Pirates development coach Simon Marange will lead the Warriors in the COSAFA tournament, as the senior men’s team will be playing the friendlies.
A number of players from the Young Warriors Under-20 squad will represent the country at the annual event in South Africa from 4 June to 15 June 2025.
The team will be captained by Highlanders defender Andrew Mbeba.
Warriors squad:
GOALKEEPERS:
Washington Arubi (Marumo Gallants), Elvis Chipezeze (Magesi), Marley Tavaziva (Brentford)
DEFENDERS
Teenage Hadebe (Cincinnati)
Gerald Takwara (Al Minaa SC)
Munashe Garananga (FC Copenhagen)
Isheanesu Mauchio (Simba Bhora)
Peter Muduhwa (Scottland)
Godknows Murwira (Scottland)
Emmanuel Jalai (Dynamos)
MIDFIELDERS
Mthokozisi Msebe (Scottland)
Khama Billiat (Scottland)
Richard Hachiro (Ngezi Platinum)
Jonah Fabisch (FC Aue)
Donald Mudadi (Simba Bhora)
Sean Fusire (Sheffield Wednesday)
Daniel Nemadmi (Marumo Gallants)
Bill Antonio (K.V. Mechelen)
FORWARDS
Prince Dube (Young Africans)
Tawanda Maswanhise (Motherwell)
Walter Musona (Scottland)
Tawanda Macheke (TelOne FC)
Tino Kadewere (Nantes)
COSAFA Squad
GOALKEEPERS
Martin Mapisa (MVWOS) – Vice Captain
Joseph Kaunda (Manica Diamonds)
Tatenda Chikohwero (Ngezi Platinum)
DEFENDERS
Tashinga Mashonganyika (Ngezi Platinum)
Allan Chapinduka (TelOne FC)
Simbarashe Takaedza (TelOne FC)
Andrew Mbeba
(Highlanders) – Captain
Arter Kaseke (Ngezi
Platinum)
Kurainashe Musanhi
(Crystal Palace)
MIDFIELDERS
Prosper Padera (SJK Seinajoki, Finland)
Menzi Mazwi (Birmingham City, England)
Vusa Ngwenya (Dynamos)
Junior Makunike (Simba Bhora)
Nisbert Muzenda (Ngezi Platinum)
Prince Ndlovu (Highlanders)
Kennedy Mupomba (Chelmsford FC, England)
Calvin Chigara (TelOne FC)
FORWARDS
Tinotenda Meke (Simba Bhora)
Mafios Chiweta (Highlanders)
Tanaka Munemo (Ngezi Platinum)
Thando Ngwenya (FC Platinum)
Tanaka Cherera (Bury FC, England)
Denzel Mapuwa (Green Fuel)
COACHES
Head Coach: Simon Marange
Assistant: Joel Lupahla
Goalkeeper Coach: Chenjerai Dube
Fitness Coach: Jimmy Tigere
Analyst: Tatenda Munyaradzi
Doctor: Nyasha Banga
Physiotherapist:
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