Catala ushers in new Warriors era with Musona axe

New Warriors coach Ramon Catala has ushered in a new era with a 24-member squad for the opening two matches of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, leaving out veteran forward Knowledge Musona as he looks to build a team capable of challenging for continental glory.

Catala’s first ever squad features a blend of European-based professionals, experienced internationals and domestic league players, with Scottland FC providing the largest contingent from the local Premiership.

Zimbabwe will face Sierra Leone and the Democratic Republic of Congo in the qualifiers, with Catala tasked with assembling a competitive side ahead of the continental campaign.

The omission of Musona, who has been a prominent figure in Zimbabwean football for more than a decade, is among the biggest talking points from the squad announcement and it’s trimming on Monday.

The former Warriors captain has been central to the national team’s attack over the years, but Catala has opted for a fresh combination of players as he begins his tenure.

The squad includes three goalkeepers in Elvis Chipezeze of Magesi, Hardrock’s Martin Mapisa and Scottland’s Nelson Chadya.

In defence, Catala has retained the services of Mamelodi Sundowns’ Divine Lunga and Lyngby BK’s Munashe Garananga, while the European contingent also includes Ipswich Town’s Corbin Mthunzi, Sarajevo’s Shane Maroodza, Sheffield Wednesday’s Sean Fusire and Liverpool’s Isaac Mabaya.

Scottland’s Emmanuel Jalai, Peter Muduhwa and Kevin Moyo complete the defensive options.

The inclusion of several domestic-based players signals a willingness to look beyond established names and recognise talent from the local league.

Scottland, who have made a strong impression in the domestic Premiership, have six representatives in the squad, including goalkeeper Chadya, defenders Jalai, Muduhwa and Moyo, and midfielder Abubakar Moffat.

Hardrock also has two players in Mapisa and forward Prince Dube.

The midfield is anchored by Wolves’ Marshall Munetsi and Reading’s Andy Rinomhota, with Marvellous Nakamba of Panetolikos and Prosper Padera of SJK Seinäjoki adding further options.

Moffat completes the midfield selection.

Munetsi’s experience at the highest level of European football will be crucial as Zimbabwe seek to control matches against two formidable opponents.

The attacking department features a mixture of youth, pace and experience, with Wolves’ Tawanda Chirewa, KV Mechelen’s Bill Antonio, Motherwell’s Tawanda Maswanhise and Amazulu’s red hot striker Thando Ngwenya who is the South Africa Betway Premiership top scorer has been included.

Daniel Msendami of Marumo Gallants, Prince Dube and Aris Salonica forward Tino Kadewere complete the forward line.

Kadewere is expected to shoulder part of the responsibility for providing goals, although Catala will need to develop a system that makes full use of the attacking options at his disposal.

The squad’s composition also highlights the continued importance of Zimbabwean players based abroad, with representatives from England, Belgium, Greece, Scotland, Denmark, Bosnia and South Africa.

However, the presence of Scottland and Hardrock players offers a reminder that the domestic league remains an important source of national team talent.

Catala’s immediate challenge will be to unite players from different footballing environments into a disciplined and effective unit.

The Warriors will need to make a strong start against Sierra Leone and the Democratic Republic of Congo if they are to keep their qualification hopes on track.

With Musona absent and a new coach at the helm, the squad announcement marks a significant moment for Zimbabwean football.

Catala has made his first selection statement.

The next step is to turn that selection into results on the pitch.