Zimbabwe’s captain Marvelous Nakamba is sidelined due to injury, prompting coach Michael Nees to select Richard Hachiro as his replacement. The team is preparing for World Cup qualifiers against Nigeria and Benin. They will hold a training camp in Durban ahead of these critical matches, facing challenges as they currently sit at the bottom of Group C.
Zimbabwe’s preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers have encountered a significant setback as captain Marvelous Nakamba has been ruled out due to injury. His absence poses a considerable challenge for the Warriors, given his pivotal role as a leader and experienced player on the team, both mentally and tactically. Head coach Michael Nees has chosen to replace Nakamba with Richard Hachiro, who was on the standby list, according to reports from The Herald.
Hachiro previously represented the national team during the successful AFCON 2025 qualification campaign under coach Nees. He joins other home-based players, including goalkeeper Martin Mapisa, Emmanuel Jalai, and Isheanesu Mauchi, who are traveling to South Africa. Additionally, six players from Scotland, including Khama Billiat, Walter Musona, and Godknows Murwira, are accompanying the team. The initial batch of ten home-based players has successfully arrived in Durban.
Nees has scheduled a three-day training camp leading up to the match against Benin at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Thursday. Following this game, the Warriors will travel to Uyo for a crucial encounter against the Super Eagles on March 25. Currently, Zimbabwe ranks at the bottom of Group C with two points, while Nigeria occupies fifth place with only three points. The Super Eagles’ head coach Eric Chelle, appointed this year, aims to capitalize on Zimbabwe’s challenges to secure Nigeria’s first victory in the qualifiers.
The absence of Captain Marvelous Nakamba due to injury significantly hampers Zimbabwe’s World Cup qualifying campaign. With Richard Hachiro stepping in as his replacement, the team faces a crucial period of adjustment. As they prepare for matches against Benin and Nigeria, the Warriors must work diligently to overcome their current bottom position in Group C and strive for improvement in upcoming fixtures.
Original Source: www.brila.net
