Warriors coach Michael Nees has promised to start some uncapped and returning players when Zimbabwe faces Burkina Faso in a friendly at Stade El Bachir de Mohammedia in Morocco on Friday evening.
After the final training session on Thursday, Nees said he sees tonight’s match and Tuesday’s game against Niger as testing grounds for his long-term plans ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations in December. He said:
When you see our group has a lot of new faces, also players who came back and of course, there will be some new faces automatically on the pitch in the starting eleven.
Zimbabwe’s coach has included fresh talents such as Tinotenda Kadewere and Bill Antonio, who is returning from injury.
Locally based players Donald Mudadi, Tawanda Macheke, and Mason Mushore will also be assessed, along with Sean Fusire from English club Sheffield Wednesday.
Other notable returns include Daniel Msendami (Marumo Gallants), Germany-based Jonah Fabisch, and goalkeeper Elvis Chipezeze, who is making a comeback after a six-year hiatus.
Meanwhile, Burkina Faso began their international friendlies with a 2-0 defeat to Tunisia in Tunis on Monday, with both goals scored in the last 30 minutes.
Burkina Faso coach Brama Traoré has called up a mostly foreign-based squad featuring experienced players such as Bertrand Traoré, Edmond Tapsoba, Issoufou Dayo, Mohamed Konate, and Issa Kaboré.
The Stallions have qualified for the CHAN finals in August and the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 in December.
More: The Herald
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