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Zimbabwe national football team facts for kids

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This page is about the men's team. For the women's team, see Zimbabwe women's national football team.
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Zimbabwe
Shirt badge/Association crest
Nickname(s) The Warriors
Association Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA)
Confederation CAF (Africa)
Sub-confederation COSAFA (Southern Africa)
Head coach Michael Nees
Captain Marshall Munetsi
Most caps Peter Ndlovu (81)
Top scorer Peter Ndlovu (37)
Home stadium National Sports Stadium
FIFA code ZIM
First colours
Second colours
Third colours
FIFA ranking
Current 113 Increase 1 (7 February 2019)
Highest 39 (April 1994)
Lowest 131 (October 2009, February–March 2016)
Elo ranking
Current 90 Decrease 2 (3 March 2019)
Highest 56 (April 1995)
Lowest 128 (March 2011)
First international
 Southern Rhodesia 0–4 Northern Rhodesia 
(Southern Rhodesia; 1946)
Biggest win
 Botswana 0–7 Zimbabwe 
(Gaborone, Botswana; 26 August 1990)
Biggest defeat
 South Africa 7–0 Rhodesia 
(South Africa; 9 April 1977)
Africa Cup of Nations
Appearances 5 (first in 2004)
Best result Group stage (2004, 2006, 2017, 2019, 2021)
African Nations Championship
Appearances 5 (first in 2009)
Best result Fourth place (2014)
COSAFA Cup
Appearances 20 (first in 1997)
Best result Champions (2000, 2003, 2005, 2009, 2017, 2018)
Medal record
COSAFA Cup
Gold 2000 Southern Africa
Gold 2003 Southern Africa
Gold 2005 Southern Africa
Gold 2009 Zimbabwe
Gold 2017 South Africa
Gold 2018 South Africa
Silver 1998 Southern Africa
Silver 2001 Southern Africa
Silver 2013 Zambia Team
Bronze 2019 South Africa
CECAFA Cup
Gold 1985 Zimbabwe
Silver 1983 Kenya
Bronze 1982 Uganda

The Zimbabwe national football team, also known as The Warriors, represents Zimbabwe in men's international soccer games. The team is managed by the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA). They have never played in the FIFA World Cup finals. However, they have qualified for the Africa Cup of Nations five times. Zimbabwe has also won the COSAFA Cup a record six times! The team is part of both FIFA and the Confederation of African Football (CAF).

History of Zimbabwe's Football Team

The team, then called Southern Rhodesia, played its first official match in June 1929. They lost their first two games against the England Amateur team. In 1965, after Southern Rhodesia became Rhodesia, FIFA asked their football association to include players of all races. Before this, only white players were chosen for the national team. After 1965, the team became multi-racial.

Early World Cup Attempts

In 1969, Rhodesia tried to qualify for the 1970 FIFA World Cup. This was their first time trying to reach the World Cup. They played against the Australia national team. Both games were held in Lourenço Marques, Portuguese Mozambique. This was because the Rhodesian team could not get visas for Australia. Rhodesia tied the first game 1–1 but lost the second 3–1, which meant they were out of the competition.

Zimbabwe's Football Journey Begins

In 1980, the country changed its name to Zimbabwe. They played their first FIFA World Cup qualifying match in 11 years against the Cameroon national football team. They won the first game 1–0 in Salisbury but lost the second 2–0, losing 2–1 overall.

A rule was then made that people with British passports could not also have a Zimbabwean passport. This meant great players like goalkeeper Bruce Grobbelaar could not play for the national team for 10 years. Later, the rule changed, allowing Grobbelaar to play. With manager Reinhard Fabisch, Zimbabwe almost qualified for the 1994 FIFA World Cup. But they lost their last qualifying match to Cameroon.

Africa Cup of Nations Debut

In 2004, Zimbabwe qualified for their first Africa Cup of Nations. This was a big moment for the team!

Recent Challenges and Successes

In 2015, the Zimbabwe national football team was banned from playing in the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifying games. This was because of an unpaid debt to a former coach. Even with this challenge, the team was doing very well, qualifying for the 2017 and 2019 Africa Cup of Nations.

In 2022, Zimbabwe was suspended from international sports again. This happened because of government involvement in their football association. FIFA said the suspension would last until certain rules were followed.

Zimbabwe has produced many amazing footballers. One legend is Peter Ndlovu, who played 81 times for Zimbabwe and scored 37 goals. He played for English clubs like Coventry City and Liverpool. Other famous players include Bruce Grobbelaar, Norman Mapeza, Benjani Mwaruwari, Knowledge Musona, and Khama Billiat.

Team Kits and Sponsors

The Zimbabwe national football team has had different companies make their uniforms over the years. Here's a list of their kit providers:

Kit provider Period
Italy L-Sporto 2004–2005
Italy Legea 2006–2009
Germany Puma 2010–2012
England Umbro 2013–2014
Spain Joma 2015–2016
Singapore Mafro 2017–2018
England Umbro 2019–2022
Germany Puma 2023–present

Match Results and Upcoming Games

Here are some of the recent match results for The Warriors and their upcoming games.

      Win       Draw       Loss       Fixture

2023 Matches

2024 Matches

Coaches of the Warriors

Many coaches have led the Zimbabwe national football team over the years. Here are some of them:

Caretaker managers are listed in italics.
  • Scotland Danny McLennan (1965–1969)
  • England Bill Asprey (1975–1977)
  • Scotland John Rugg (1980–1981)
  • Zimbabwe Shepherd Murape (1981–1983)
  • England Mick Poole (1985)
  • Ghana Ben Koufie (1988–1992)
  • Germany Reinhard Fabisch (1992–1995)
  • Germany Rudi Gutendorf (1995–1996)
  • Zimbabwe Bruce Grobbelaar (1996)
  • Scotland Ian Porterfield (1996–1997)
  • Zimbabwe Sunday Chidzambwa (1997)
  • Zimbabwe Bruce Grobbelaar (1997)
  • Portugal Roy Barreto (1997–1998)
  • Zimbabwe Bruce Grobbelaar (1998)
  • Netherlands Clemens Westerhof (1998–2000)
  • Zimbabwe Misheck Chidzambwa (2000)
  • Zimbabwe Sunday Chidzambwa (2000–2002)
  • Poland Wiesław Grabowski (2002)
  • Zimbabwe Sunday Chidzambwa (2003–2004)
  • Zimbabwe Rahman Gumbo (2004)
  • Zimbabwe Charles Mhlauri (2004–2007)
  • Zimbabwe Sunday Chidzambwa (2007)
  • Zimbabwe Norman Mapeza (2007)
  • Zimbabwe Luke Masomore (2007–2008)
  • Brazil José Claudinei (2008)
  • Zimbabwe Sunday Chidzambwa (2008–2009)
  • Zimbabwe Norman Mapeza (2009–2010)
  • Belgium Tom Saintfiet (2010)
  • Zimbabwe Madinda Ndlovu (2010–2011)
  • Zimbabwe Norman Mapeza (2011–2012)
  • Zimbabwe Rahman Gumbo (2012)
  • Germany Klaus Dieter Pagels (2012–2013)
  • Zimbabwe Ian Gorowa (2013–2014)
  • Zimbabwe Callisto Pasuwa (2015–2017)
  • Zimbabwe Wilson Mutekede (2017)
  • Zimbabwe Sunday Chidzambwa (2017–2019)
  • Zimbabwe Joey Antipas (2019–2020)
  • Croatia Zdravko Logarušić (2020–2021)
  • Zimbabwe Norman Mapeza (2021–2022)
  • Zimbabwe Wilson Mutekede (2022)
  • Zimbabwe Shepherd Murape (2022–2023)
  • Zimbabwe Sunday Chidzambwa (2023)
  • Brazil Baltemar Brito (2023–2024)
  • Zimbabwe Norman Mapeza (2024)
  • Zimbabwe Jairos Tapera (2024–2024)
  • Germany Michael Nees (2024–)

Team Staff and Support

The national team has a group of people who help the players. This includes coaches, doctors, and other support staff.

Head coach Germany Michael Nees
Assistant coaches Zimbabwe Harold Ngwenya
Zimbabwe Creedence Zinyemba
Goalkeeping coach Zimbabwe Austin Chigwedere
Fitness Coach Zimbabwe Donald Mupfumi
Match Analyst Zimbabwe Kingsley Chirwa
Doctors Zimbabwe Dr. Takunda Mavhunga
Zimbabwe Dr. John Chikokore
Physiotherapists Zimbabwe James Chikanga
Zimbabwe Kathleen Mkhize
Zimbabwe David Nyamuzihwa
Zimbabwe Richard Mupanga
Team coordinator Zimbabwe Preston Nyoni
Technical director Zimbabwe Norman Mapeza

Meet the Players

Here are the players currently chosen for the Zimbabwe national team.

Current Squad Members

These players were picked for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualification matches in September 2024.

Caps (games played) and goals are correct as of June 11, 2024, after the match against South Africa.

No. Pos. Player Date of birth (age) Caps Goals Club
1GK Washington Arubi (1985-08-29) 29 August 1985 (age 39) 30 0 South Africa Marumo Gallants
1GK Bernard Donovan (1995-07-12) 12 July 1995 (age 30) 6 0 Zimbabwe Chicken Inn
1GK Marley Tavaziva (2004-12-17) 17 December 2004 (age 20) 0 0 England Brentford B
2DF Teenage Hadebe (1995-09-17) 17 September 1995 (age 29) 40 4 United States Cincinnati
2DF Gerald Takwara (1994-10-29) 29 October 1994 (age 30) 20 0 Iraq Al-Minaa
2DF Andrew Mbeba (2000-02-19) 19 February 2000 (age 25) 7 0 Zimbabwe Highlanders
2DF Godknows Murwira (1993-07-04) 4 July 1993 (age 32) 6 0 Zimbabwe CAPS United
2DF Munashe Garananga (2001-01-18) 18 January 2001 (age 24) 4 0 Denmark Copenhagen
2DF Brendan Galloway (1996-03-17) 17 March 1996 (age 29) 3 0 England Plymouth Argyle
2DF Emmanuel Jalai (1999-01-06) 6 January 1999 (age 26) 1 0 Zimbabwe Dynamos
3MF Marshall Munetsi (1996-06-22) 22 June 1996 (age 29) 29 1 France Stade de Reims
3MF Richard Hachiro (1998-01-27) 27 January 1998 (age 27) 12 0 Zimbabwe Ngezi Platinum
3MF Walter Musona (1995-12-12) 12 December 1995 (age 29) 10 2 Zimbabwe Simba Bhora
3MF Jordan Zemura (1999-11-14) 14 November 1999 (age 25) 10 0 Italy Udinese
3MF Brian Banda (1995-09-09) 9 September 1995 (age 29) 7 0 Zimbabwe Platinum
3MF Andy Rinomhota (1997-04-21) 21 April 1997 (age 28) 5 0 Wales Cardiff City
3MF Daniel Msendami (2000-10-24) 24 October 2000 (age 24) 4 0 South Africa Marumo Gallants
3MF Tawanda Maswanhise (2002-11-20) 20 November 2002 (age 22) 3 0 Scotland Motherwell
3MF Tawanda Chirewa (2003-10-11) 11 October 2003 (age 21) 2 1 England Wolverhampton Wanderers
4FW Tino Kadewere (1996-01-05) 5 January 1996 (age 29) 27 3 France Nantes
4FW Prince Dube (1997-02-17) 17 February 1997 (age 28) 16 7 Tanzania Young Africans
4FW Obriel Chirinda (1997-01-28) 28 January 1997 (age 28) 6 1 Zimbabwe Ngezi Platinum
4FW Douglas Mapfumo (2000-03-01) 1 March 2000 (age 25) 1 0 South Africa Polokwane City

Players Called Up Recently

These players have been called to play for Zimbabwe in the last year.

Pos. Player Date of birth (age) Caps Goals Club Latest call-up
GK Raphael Pitisi (2002-10-16) 16 October 2002 (age 22) 1 0 Zimbabwe Highlanders 2024 COSAFA Cup
GK Joseph Kaunda (2005-09-04) 4 September 2005 (age 19) 0 0 Zimbabwe Manica Diamonds 2024 COSAFA Cup
GK Martin Mapisa (1998-05-25) 25 May 1998 (age 27) 2 0 Zimbabwe Dynamos v.  South Africa; 11 June 2024
GK Godfrey Chitsumba (1998-09-18) 18 September 1998 (age 26) 1 0 Zimbabwe Manica Diamonds v.  South Africa; 11 June 2024
DF Malvern Hativagoni (2002-09-02) 2 September 2002 (age 22) 1 0 Zimbabwe Bulawayo Chiefs 2024 COSAFA Cup
DF Tawanda Chisi (2000-11-14) 14 November 2000 (age 24) 0 0 Zimbabwe Manica Diamonds 2024 COSAFA Cup
DF Shane Maroodza (2004-05-18) 18 May 2004 (age 21) 0 0 England Huddersfield Town 2024 COSAFA Cup
DF Isheanesu Mauchi 0 0 Zimbabwe Simba Bhora 2024 COSAFA Cup
DF Divine Lunga (1995-05-28) 28 May 1995 (age 30) 23 0 South Africa Mamelodi Sundowns v.  South Africa; 11 June 2024
DF Peter Muduhwa (1993-08-11) 11 August 1993 (age 31) 14 0 Zimbabwe Highlanders v.  Kenya; 26 March 2024
DF Frank Makarati (1994-03-14) 14 March 1994 (age 31) 1 0 Zimbabwe Dynamos v.  Nigeria; 19 November 2023
MF Tatenda Tavengwa (1997-03-29) 29 March 1997 (age 28) 4 0 South Africa Venda 2024 COSAFA Cup
MF Donald Mudadi (1996-03-02) 2 March 1996 (age 29) 2 0 Zimbabwe Dynamos 2024 COSAFA Cup
MF Joey Phuthi (2005-01-02) 2 January 2005 (age 20) 1 0 England Sheffield Wednesday 2024 COSAFA Cup
MF Juan Mutudza (1999-04-12) 12 April 1999 (age 26) 1 0 Zimbabwe Platinum 2024 COSAFA Cup
MF Tinotenda Meke 0 0 Zimbabwe Green Fuel 2024 COSAFA Cup
MF Kingsley Mureremba (2005-01-19) 19 January 2005 (age 20) 0 0 Zimbabwe CAPS United 2024 COSAFA Cup
MF McKinnon Mushore (2000-07-27) 27 July 2000 (age 24) 0 0 Zimbabwe Highlanders 2024 COSAFA Cup
MF Panashe Mutimbanyoka (2002-02-21) 21 February 2002 (age 23) 0 0 Zimbabwe Platinum 2024 COSAFA Cup
MF Tivonge Rushesha (2002-07-24) 24 July 2002 (age 22) 0 0 England Reading v.  South Africa; 11 June 2024
MF Marvelous Nakamba (1994-01-19) 19 January 1994 (age 31) 28 0 England Luton Town v.  Nigeria; 19 November 2023
MF Tanaka Shandirwa (1999-12-04) 4 December 1999 (age 25) 3 0 Zimbabwe Dynamos v.  Nigeria; 19 November 2023
FW Takunda Benhura (2001-07-31) 31 July 2001 (age 23) 1 0 Zimbabwe Ngezi Platinum 2024 COSAFA Cup
FW Washington Mapuwa 1 0 Zimbabwe Green Fuel 2024 COSAFA Cup
FW Never Rauzhi 1 0 Zimbabwe Bulawayo Chiefs 2024 COSAFA Cup
FW Michael Tapera (1998-07-18) 18 July 1998 (age 27) 1 1 Zimbabwe Manica Diamonds 2024 COSAFA Cup
FW Tymon Machope (1993-07-03) 3 July 1993 (age 32) 2 0 Zimbabwe Simba Bhora v.  South Africa; 11 June 2024
FW Terrence Dzvukamanja (1994-05-05) 5 May 1994 (age 31) 16 0 South Africa SuperSport United v.  Nigeria; 19 November 2023
FW Admiral Muskwe (1998-08-21) 21 August 1998 (age 26) 7 1 England Exeter City v.  Nigeria; 19 November 2023

DEC Player refused to join the team after the call-up.
INJ Player withdrew from the squad due to an injury.
PRE Preliminary squad.
RET Player has retired from international football.
SUS Suspended from the national team, red or yellow cards.

Team Records and Achievements

Here are some interesting facts about the Zimbabwe national football team's history and top players.

Most Games Played

These players have played the most games for Zimbabwe:

Players in bold are still active with Zimbabwe.
Rank Player Caps Goals Career
1 Peter Ndlovu 81 37 1991–2007
2 John Phiri U 62 1 1983–1997
3 Adam Ndlovu 57 34 1990–2004
Khama Billiat 57 18 2011–present
5 Esrom Nyandoro 56 4 2001–2012
6 Dumisani Mpofu 52 0 1996–2006
Knowledge Musona 52 25 2010–2022
8 Ovidy Karuru 50 7 2007–2021
9 Ronald Sibanda 49 3 1997–2007
10 Onismor Bhasera 45 0 2006–2022
Note: U means that a player's statistics are not fully confirmed.

Top Goal Scorers

These players have scored the most goals for Zimbabwe:

Rank Player Goals Caps Ratio Career
1 Peter Ndlovu 37 81 0.46 1991–2007
2 Adam Ndlovu 34 57 0.6 2010–2012
3 Knowledge Musona 25 52 0.48 2010–2022
4 Agent Sawu 18 57 0.32 1990–2004
Khama Billiat 18 57 0.32 2011–present
6 Vitalis Takawira 12 30 0.4 1992–1998
7 Luke Jukulile 10 15 0.67 2000–2001
Benjani Mwaruwari 10 42 0.24 1999–2010
9 Stanley Ndunduma 9 17 0.53 1983–1989
Cuthbert Malajila 9 32 0.28 2008–2017

Tournament Performance

Zimbabwe has competed in many football tournaments. Here's how they've done in some of the major ones.

FIFA World Cup Journey

Zimbabwe has tried to qualify for the FIFA World Cup many times but has not yet made it to the finals.

FIFA World Cup record Qualification record
Year Round Position Pld W D* L GF GA Pld W D L GF GA
1930 to 1962 Part of  United Kingdom Part of  United Kingdom
as  Rhodesia as  Rhodesia
England 1966 Did not enter Did not enter
Mexico 1970 Did not qualify from Asia/Oceania zone 3 0 2 1 2 4
West Germany 1974 Did not enter Did not enter
Argentina 1978
as  Zimbabwe as  Zimbabwe
Spain 1982 Did not qualify from African zone 2 1 0 1 1 2
Mexico 1986 2 0 1 1 1 2
Italy 1990 4 0 1 3 1 10
United States 1994 10 6 2 2 11 10
France 1998 8 2 2 4 10 10
South Korea Japan 2002 8 6 0 2 11 6
Germany 2006 12 5 3 4 17 16
South Africa 2010 6 1 3 2 4 6
Brazil 2014 6 0 2 4 4 9
Russia 2018 Expelled from qualifying competition Expelled from qualifying competition
Qatar 2022 Did not qualify from African zone 8 1 2 5 5 9
Canada Mexico United States 2026 To be determined 4 0 2 2 2 6
Morocco Portugal Spain 2030 To be determined
Saudi Arabia 2034
Total — 0/15 — — — — — — 73 22 20 31 69 90

Africa Cup of Nations Appearances

Zimbabwe has qualified for the Africa Cup of Nations five times.

Africa Cup of Nations record
Appearances: 5
Year Round Position Pld W D* L GF GA
Sudan 1957 to Nigeria 1980 Not affiliated to CAF
Libya 1982 to Mali 2002 Did not qualify
Tunisia 2004 Group stage 14th 3 1 0 2 6 8
Egypt 2006 13th 3 1 0 2 2 5
Ghana 2008 to Equatorial Guinea 2015 Did not qualify
Gabon 2017 Group stage 14th 3 0 1 2 4 8
Egypt 2019 21st 3 0 1 2 1 6
Cameroon 2021 17th 3 1 0 2 3 4
Ivory Coast 2023 Disqualified due to FIFA suspension
Morocco 2025 To be determined
Kenya Tanzania Uganda 2027
2029
Total Group stage 5/34 15 3 2 10 16 31

African Nations Championship Results

The Warriors have also played in the African Nations Championship five times.

African Nations Championship record
Appearances: 5
Year Round Position Pld W D* L GF GA
Ivory Coast 2009 Group stage 6th 3 0 3 0 3 3
Sudan 2011 11th 3 1 0 2 2 3
South Africa 2014 Fourth place 4th 6 2 3 1 3 2
Rwanda 2016 Group stage 13th 3 0 1 2 1 3
Morocco 2018 Did not qualify
Cameroon 2020 Group stage 16th 3 0 0 3 1 5
Algeria 2022 Did not qualify
Total Fourth place 5/7 18 3 7 8 10 16

COSAFA Cup Success

Zimbabwe has a great record in the COSAFA Cup, winning it six times!

  • 1997 – Qualifying round
  • 1998 – Second place
  • 1999 – Quarter-finals
  • 2000 – Winners
  • 2001 – Second place
  • 2002 – Quarter-finals
  • 2003 – Winners
  • 2004 – Semi-finals
  • 2005 – Winners
  • 2006 – Semi-finals
  • 2007 – First round
  • 2008 – Quarter-finals
  • 2009 – Winners
  • 2010 – Cancelled
  • 2013 – Second place
  • 2015 – Group stage
  • 2016 – Group stage
  • 2017 – Winners
  • 2018 – Winners
  • 2019 – Third place
  • 2020 – Cancelled
  • 2021 – Group stage

CECAFA Cup Performance

Zimbabwe has also done well in the CECAFA Cup, winning it once.

  • 1981 – Group stage
  • 1982 – Third place
  • 1983 – Second place
  • 1984 – Group stage
  • 1985 – Winners
  • 1987 – Second place
  • 1988 – Fourth place
  • 1989 – Group stage
  • 1990 – Group stage
  • 2009 – Quarter-finals
  • 2011 – Quarter-finals

Team Honours and Awards

The Warriors have won several awards and medals in different football competitions.

Intercontinental Awards

  • Afro-Asian Games
    • Bronze Medal (1): 2003

Regional Trophies

  • COSAFA Cup
    • Champions (6): 2000, 2003, 2005, 2009, 2017, 2018
    • Runners-up (3): 1998, 2001, 2013
    • Third place (1): 2019
  • CECAFA Cup
    • Champions (1): 1985
    • Runners-up (2): 1983, 1987
    • Third place (1): 1982

Other Competitions

  • Four Nations Football Tournament
    • Runners-up (1): 2024

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Selección de fútbol de Zimbabue para niños

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