THE Warriors have suffered an injury setback with England based defender Brendan Galloway pulling out of next week's Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Kenya and Cameroon due to a hamstring strain.
Yesterday, Zifa announced that Galloway is out of the two matches due to the injury, but did not say whether he will be replaced.
Galloway, who been a vital cog for Plymouth Argyle as a defender, had bounced back into the Warriors fold after a lengthy period of absence due to injury.
He was one of the favorites to start in a defense department that has exceptional players that include Gerald Takwara, Munashe Garan'anga and Teenage Hadebe.
The Warriors face Kenya and Cameroon in their first two 2025 AFCON qualifiers which kick off this week. Both matches will be played in Uganda, Kampala as Zimbabwe does not have CAF-approved stadiums.
Galloway was faced with an unforgiving schedule which he had said motivated him.
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In an interview with Plymouth Argyle Herald, Galloway, opened up about the 'tough' time he was expecting before the injury.
“It gets tough at times. We are travelling to very far countries, adjusting to the heat and you just get no real time to switch off for a second.
“The day after Stoke, we are straight into travelling and then we come back after a long flight and it’s straight back into training because I want to recover and train well before the next game (against Sunderland).
“At times I think I have just got to look after myself and use my head now. I’m not young and I can’t do everything at 100 miles per hour, but I enjoy it. It’s football, it’s what I wanted to do all my life so it’s good.
“Argyle getting three points every weekend is super important to me, and then when I do go away with the national team then qualifying for a major tournament for the country is also important. You have got to be excited for both, they are both a challenge but a challenge you look forward to.”
Meanwhile, Cameroon named a squad that looks formidable on paper. They face Namibia on September 7 before playing Zimbabwe four days later.
Notable names in the team include Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana, Frank Zambo-Anguissa, Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo and Vincent Aboubakar.
Warriors squad
Goalkeepers: Washington Arubi, Marley Tavaziva, Bernard Donovan
Defenders: Gerald Takwara, Munashe Garananga, Andrew Mbeba, Godknows Murwira, Emmanuel Jalai, Teenage Hadebe
Midfielders: Marshall Munetsi, Andy Rinomhota, Jordan Zemura, Walter Musona, Daniel Msendami, Brian Banda, Tawanda Maswanhise, Tawanda Chirewa, Richard Hachiro
Strikers: Tino Kadewere, Douglas Mapfumo, Prince Dube, Obriel Chirinda, Khama Billiat