WARRIORS coach Michael Nees has challenged France-based striker Tino Kadewere to work hard and regain his best form after a lengthy injury saw him miss out on a national team call-up for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers.
The Nantes forward failed to heed national team call-ups late last year due to injuries as the Zimbabwe national football team pushed for a place at this year’s Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) finals in Morocco.
He is not part of the squad that has been assembled for the 2026 Fifa World Cup qualifiers against Benin and Nigeria next week.
Zimbabwe play Benin on Thursday before travelling to Nigeria for a clash with the Super Eagles on 25 March.
Nees announced a 23-member squad on Wednesday, and questions arose over whether there is a way back for Kadewere.
Kadewere (29) has not made a single appearance for Nantes so far this year, having played just eight matches this season, all of which came last year.
“I have constant conversations with Tino. He was unfortunately made a scapegoat last time, accused of faking an injury,” Nees said. “But he was out for five months. So, I think everybody who publicly criticised him for doing something like that should apologise. He has been out of action since November.”
The German coach explained that Kadewere is still in his plans, but must prove himself to reclaim his place.
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“Tino is, of course, on our list. He plays at a very high level. He must just regain confidence in his body, the fitness, and the self-belief that his body can cope with everything. And then we will invite him and assess him. If he is performing well, he will be invited.”
Nees said that for a player who was out for that long, he needs more games under his belt before he can be considered.
“Even if he returns to his club, maybe over the weekend, it would be too early. He was out of action for five months; it’s too early. The same applies to Bill Antonio; he was out of action for over a year with an ACL injury. But with Tino, we have very good and respectful conversations. There is no problem from my side with him.”
Nees called up six players from the new Premier Soccer League side, Scottland, including Godknows Murwira, Tymon Machope, Walter Musona, Mthokozisi Msebe, Khama Billiat, and defender Peter Muduhwa.
He explained that players from Scottland were at a better fitness level compared to other local clubs.
Highlanders’ Andrew Mbeba missed out following a frank conversation between his club coach, Kelvin Kaindu, and Nees.
“A player we had before, Andrew Mbeba from Highlanders — the coach (Kaindu) himself said they had not had the right pre-season. Their own coach admitted it.”
Former Warriors captain Knowledge Musona (34) has come out of retirement and has been included in the national team.
He follows in the footsteps of Billiat (34), who also bounced back last year after a self-imposed exile.
Squad
Goalkeepers
W Arubi, M Tavaziva, M Mapisa
Defenders
J Zemura, D Lunga, G Takwara, M Garananga, I Mauchi, P Muduhwa, G Murwira, E Jalai
Midfielders
M Munetsi, A Rinomhota, M Nakamba, M Msebe, K Billiat, K Musona, T Chirewa
Forwards
P Dube, T Maswanhise, T Dzvukamanja, T Machope, W Musona.
