Zimbabwe national football team

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File:Zimbabwe national football team, 2009.jpg
2009 Image of Zimbabwe national football team

The Zimbabwe national football team (nicknamed The Warriors) represents Zimbabwe in men's international football and is controlled by the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA), formerly known as the Football Association of Rhodesia. The team has never qualified for the FIFA World Cup finals, but has qualified for the Africa Cup of Nations six times. Zimbabwe has also won the COSAFA Cup six times. The team represents both FIFA and the Confederation of African Football (CAF).

History

Southern Rhodesia played their first official match against the England Amateur national football team as part of the latter's tour of South Africa and Rhodesia in June 1929. Southern Rhodesia lost their first two matches against England 4–0 and 6–1, respectively.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> In 1965, following Southern Rhodesia's Unilateral Declaration of Independence as Rhodesia, FIFA requested that the Football Association of Rhodesia reform to be a multi-racial organisation. Prior to this, only white Rhodesians were selected for the national football team but after 1965 the team became multi-racial.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref> In 1969, Rhodesia took part in the Oceanic 1970 FIFA World Cup qualification tournament. This was their first attempt to qualify for the FIFA World Cup. Contrary to the team being viewed as the representative team of white Rhodesians, the team was multi-racial including black players.<ref name=fifa /> They were drawn against the Australia national football team. Both legs were held in Lourenço Marques, Portuguese Mozambique as the Rhodesian team were unable to get Australian visas. Rhodesia drew the first leg 1–1 but lost the second leg 3–1 thus eliminating Rhodesia from qualification.<ref name=fifa>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

In 1980, following the country's reconstitution as Zimbabwe, they played their first FIFA World Cup qualifying match for 11 years against the Cameroon national football team. However they lost 2–1 on aggregate after a 1–0 win in the first leg in Salisbury and a 2–0 loss in the second leg.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Following this, the country passed a law that people who held British passports would not be permitted to hold a Zimbabwean passport, which mean that players such as goalkeeper Bruce Grobbelaar, who is considered to be Zimbabwe's greatest goalkeeper,<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>were not selected for the national team for 10 years.<ref name="guard">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Following a change in policy that allowed Grobbelaar to play for Zimbabwe, who entered the country on his British passport, Zimbabwe under manager Reinhard Fabisch were one match away from qualifying for the 1994 FIFA World Cup. However, they lost their final qualifying match to Cameroon.<ref name=guard /><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

In 2004, Zimbabwe qualified for their first Africa Cup of Nations. During their first match against Egypt, their former anthem "Ishe Komborera Africa" was accidentally played instead of "Simudzai Mureza wedu weZimbabwe", an act which Information Minister Jonathan Moyo called "a cheap attempt by the organisers to demoralise our boys".<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

In 2015, the Zimbabwe national football team were banned from participating in 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifying due to an unpaid debt to former coach, José Claudinei.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> At the time, the team was experiencing its strongest period for many years, qualifying for both the 2017 and 2019 Africa Cup of Nations.

On 1 March 2022, Zimbabwe, along with Kenya, was suspended again from international sport due to the interference of the government. Earlier in November 2021, Harare and Nairobi dissolved their federations and were replaced with government-officials. On 31 March, the suspension was made indefinitely and was ratified by FIFA. Suspension is set until Zimbabwe and Kenya meet the demands given by FIFA. The team has produced some of the finest footballers the likes of the legendary Peter Ndlovu who played for Zimbabwe 100 times. He featured in the English premier for Coventry City, Birmingham City, Sheffield United and Huddersfield. Peter Ndlovu is well remembered for the hatrick he scored at Anfield against Liverpool, Bruce Grobelaar former Liverpool Goalkeeper, Norman Mapeza former Galatasary defender, Benjan Mwaruwaru former Man city player. Knowledge Musona former Anderletch and Bundesliga player. Khama Billiat former Mamelodi Sundowns and Kaizer Chiefs player.

Kit provider

Kit provider Period
Template:Flagicon L-Sporto 2004–2005
Template:Flagicon Legea 2006–2009
Template:Flagicon Puma 2010–2012
Template:Flagicon Umbro 2013–2014
Template:Flagicon Joma 2015–2016
Template:Flagicon Mafro 2017–2018
Template:Flagicon Umbro 2019–2022
Template:Flagicon Puma 2023–present

Results and fixtures

{{#invoke:Labelled list hatnote|labelledList|Main article|Main articles|Main page|Main pages}} The following is a list of match results in the last 12 months, as well as any future matches that have been scheduled.

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2024

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2025

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Coaching history

Caretaker managers are listed in italics.

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Coaching staff

File:Bruce Grobbelaar 2009.jpg
Bruce Grobbelaar played for Zimbabwe and managed Zimbabwe
Head coach Template:Flagicon Michael Nees
Assistant coaches Template:Flagicon Harold Ngwenya
Template:Flagicon Creedence Zinyemba
Goalkeeping coach Template:Flagicon Austin Chigwedere
Fitness Coach Template:Flagicon Donald Mupfumi
Match Analyst Template:Flagicon Kingsley Chirwa
Doctors Template:Flagicon Dr. Takunda Mavhunga
Template:Flagicon Dr. John Chikokore
Physiotherapists Template:Flagicon James Chikanga
Template:Flagicon Kathleen Mkhize
Template:Flagicon David Nyamuzihwa
Template:Flagicon Richard Mupanga
Team coordinator Template:Flagicon Preston Nyoni
Technical director Template:Flagicon Norman Mapeza
Template:Flagicon Jethro Hunidzarira

Players

Current squad

The following players were selected for the friendly matches against Algeria and Qatar on 13 and 16 November 2025; respectively.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

Caps and goals are correct as of 16 November 2025, after the match against Qatar.

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Recent call-ups

The following players have been called up for Zimbabwe in the last 12 months. Template:Nat fs r start Template:Nat fs r player Template:Nat fs break Template:Nat fs r player Template:Nat fs break Template:Nat fs r player Template:Nat fs r player Template:Nat fs r player Template:Nat fs r player Template:Nat fs r player Template:Nat fs r player Template:Nat fs r player Template:Nat fs break Template:Nat fs r player Template:Nat fs r player Template:Nat fs r player Template:Nat fs r player Template:Nat fs r player Template:Nat fs break 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. Template:Nat fs end

Records

Template:Updated<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Players in bold are still active with Zimbabwe.

Most appearances

Rank Player Caps Goals Career
1 Peter Ndlovu 81 37 1990–2007
2 Adam Ndlovu 74 26 1990–2004
3 Francis Shonhayi 70 1 1989–1998
4 John Phiri 67 3 1983–1995
5 Dumisani Mpofu 63 0 1996–2006
6 Japhet Mparutsa 62 0 1981–1995
Stanley Ndunduma 62 9 1981–1989
Esrom Nyandoro 62 4 2001–2012
9 Khama Billiat 57 18 2011–present
10 Ronald Sibanda 56 3 1997–2007

Top goalscorers

Rank Player Goals Caps Ratio Career
1 Peter Ndlovu 37 81 {{#expr:37/81 round 2}} 1991–2007
2 Knowledge Musona 26 54 {{#expr:26/54 round 2}} 2010–present
Adam Ndlovu 26 74 {{#expr:26/74 round 2}} 1992–2004
4 Agent Sawu 21 47 {{#expr:21/47 round 2}} 1990–2004
5 Khama Billiat 18 57 {{#expr:18/57 round 2}} 2011–present
6 Vitalis Takawira 13 40 {{#expr:13/40 round 2}} 1992–1998
7 Shacky Tauro 11 45 {{#expr:11/45 round 2}} 1980–1989
8 Luke Jukulile 10 15 {{#expr:10/15 round 2}} 2000–2001
Benjani Mwaruwari 10 44 {{#expr:10/44 round 2}} 1999–2010
10 Cuthbert Malajila 9 31 {{#expr:9/31 round 2}} 2008–2017
Stanley Ndunduma 9 62 {{#expr:9/62 round 2}} 1981–1989

Competitive record

FIFA World Cup

FIFA World Cup record Qualification record
Year Round Position Template:Tooltip Template:Tooltip Template:Tooltip* Template:Tooltip Template:Tooltip Template:Tooltip Template:Tooltip Template:Tooltip Template:Tooltip Template:Tooltip Template:Tooltip Template:Tooltip
1930 to 1962 Part of Template:Fb Part of Template:Fb
as Template:Fb as Template:Fb
Template:Flagicon 1966 Did not enter Did not enter
Template:Flagicon 1970 Did not qualify from Asia/Oceania zone 3 0 2 1 2 4
Template:Flagicon 1974 Did not enter Did not enter
Template:Flagicon 1978
as Template:Fb as Template:Fb
Template:Flagicon 1982 Did not qualify from African zone 2 1 0 1 1 2
Template:Flagicon 1986 2 0 1 1 1 2
Template:Flagicon 1990 4 0 1 3 1 10
Template:Flagicon 1994 10 6 2 2 11 10
Template:Flagicon 1998 8 2 2 4 10 10
Template:Flagicon Template:Flagicon 2002 8 6 0 2 11 6
Template:Flagicon 2006 12 5 3 4 17 16
Template:Flagicon 2010 6 1 3 2 4 6
Template:Flagicon 2014 6 0 2 4 4 9
Template:Flagicon 2018 Expelled from qualifying competition<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation CitationClass=web

}}</ref>

Expelled from qualifying competition
Template:Flagicon 2022 Did not qualify from African zone 8 1 2 5 5 9
Template:Flagicon Template:Flagicon Template:Flagicon 2026 9 0 5 4 5 11
Template:Flagicon Template:Flagicon Template:Flagicon 2030 To be determined To be determined
Template:Flagicon 2034
Total — Template:Tooltip — — — — — — 78 22 23 33 72 95

Africa Cup of Nations

Africa Cup of Nations record
Appearances: 6
Year Round Position Template:Tooltip Template:Tooltip Template:Tooltip* Template:Tooltip Template:Tooltip Template:Tooltip
Template:Flagicon 1957 to Template:Flagicon 1980 Not affiliated to CAF
Template:Flagicon 1982 to Template:Flagicon 2002 Did not qualify
Template:Flagicon 2004 Group stage 14th 3 1 0 2 6 8
Template:Flagicon 2006 13th 3 1 0 2 2 5
Template:Flagicon 2008 to Template:Flagicon 2015 Did not qualify
Template:Flagicon 2017 Group stage 14th 3 0 1 2 4 8
Template:Flagicon 2019 21st 3 0 1 2 1 6
Template:Flagicon 2021 17th 3 1 0 2 3 4
Template:Flagicon 2023 Disqualified due to FIFA suspension
Template:Flagicon 2025 Qualified
Template:Flagicon Template:Flagicon Template:Flagicon 2027 To be determined
Template:Flagicon 2029
Total Group stage 6/35 15 3 2 10 16 31

African Nations Championship

African Nations Championship record
Appearances: 5
Year Round Position Template:Tooltip Template:Tooltip Template:Tooltip* Template:Tooltip Template:Tooltip Template:Tooltip
Template:Flagicon 2009 Group stage 6th 3 0 3 0 3 3
Template:Flagicon 2011 11th 3 1 0 2 2 3
Template:Flagicon 2014 Fourth place 4th 6 2 3 1 3 2
Template:Flagicon 2016 Group stage 13th 3 0 1 2 1 3
Template:Flagicon 2018 Did not qualify
Template:Flagicon 2020 Group stage 16th 3 0 0 3 1 5
Template:Flagicon 2022 Did not qualify
Total Fourth place 5/7 18 3 7 8 10 16

African Games

African Games record
Year Result Pld W D L GF GA
1965–1987 Did not enter
1991–present See Zimbabwe national under-23 football team
Total 4/4 0 0 0 0 0 0

COSAFA Cup

Template:Colbegin

  • 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

Template:Colend

CECAFA Cup

Template:Colbegin

  • 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

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Honours

Intercontinental

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Regional

References

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Template:Zimbabwe national football team Template:Football in Zimbabwe {{#invoke:navbox|navbox | name = CAF teams | title = National football teams of Africa (CAF) |listclass = hlist |group1 = North Africa (UNAF) |list1 =

|group2 = West Africa (WAFU) |list2 =

|group3 = East Africa (CECAFA) |list3 =

|group4 = Central Africa (UNIFFAC) |list4 =

|group5 = Southern Africa (COSAFA) |list5 =

|group6 = Non-regional Members |list6 =

|below= 1 Regional team, an associate member of CAF but not a member of FIFA

{{#invoke:portal-inline|main|size=tiny|Football in Africa}} }} Template:National sports teams of Zimbabwe

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