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Message: [QUOTE="Nehanda, post: 28406, member: 2262"] Warriors coach Michael Nees has an amazing way with former players. He drives everywhere to check on athletes, even at night. For safety reasons, he earned a Zimbabwe Defensive Driving certificate. He puts serious effort into finding the right talent for his team. Six months ago, he talked Khama Billiat into coming out of international retirement. This move paid off big time when Billiat helped Zimbabwe qualify early for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. Nees also brought back goalkeeper Washington Arubi when the team needed reliable hands between the posts. That choice worked perfectly, as the Marumo Gallants veteran made key plays during qualification. His latest win happened when former captain Knowledge Musona agreed to rejoin the squad. Musona had stepped away after the 2021 Nations Cup tournament. Nees kept all his talks with Musona private, and thanks to the player staying quiet, nobody knew what was happening. Not even Walter, Knowledge's brother, had any clue about the comeback plans. Many reporters looked shocked yesterday when Nees read Musona's name during a packed press event announcing his squad for next week's World Cup qualifiers against Benin and Nigeria. We learned the former Kaizer Chiefs star almost returned last November for the Kenya match where Zimbabwe needed to avoid defeat to lock up their AFCON spot. Nees speaks with confidence but never comes across as stuck-up. He noticed the surprised journalists and took charge of the situation. He explained that less talking sometimes works better. He described Musona as a valuable player who brings a lot to the team. The coach revealed they applied for Musona's Cameroonian visa ahead of potential problems like injuries or suspensions. The coach values Musona's positive character and team-first attitude. He wants everyone to pull together for Zimbabwe rather than thinking about themselves first. If Musona makes the team heading to Morocco later this year, he might become the first Zimbabwean to play in four AFCON finals. Before that record, he needs to help fix the Warriors' World Cup qualifying campaign. Zimbabwe will play Benin at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban, South Africa, next Thursday. Five days after that, they travel to Uyo, Nigeria, to face the Super Eagles. The Warriors must pick up points to stay alive in the race for the 2026 World Cup, which the USA, Canada, and Mexico will host together. Currently, they sit last in Group C with just two points, five behind leaders Rwanda after four games. Nees inherited this campaign from previous coaches. Baltemar Brito started with draws against Rwanda and Nigeria. Then, Jairos Tapera suffered losses to Lesotho and South Africa. Nees wants to turn things around fast. He has lost only once in six games since taking charge. Captain Marvelous Nakamba from Luton Town made the squad despite his widely reported injury. The team doctor will check him first. The domestic league just started two weeks ago, but nine local players received call-ups. Six come from current leaders Scottland - Walter Musona, Mthokozisi Msebe, Peter Muduhwa, Godknows Murwira, Tymon Machope, and Billiat. MWOS provides goalkeeper Martin Mapisa, Dynamos sends captain Emmanuel Jalai, and Simba Bhora defender Isheanesu Mauchi also earned selection. The coach kept other players on standby for emergencies. Tino Kadewere missed out because he hardly plays for his French club Nantes. Belgium-based Bill Antonio is still recovering from a serious ACL injury. The full squad includes goalkeepers Washington Arubi, Marley Tavaziva, and Martin Mapisa. Defenders are Jordan Zemura, Divine Lunga, Gerald Takwara, Munashe Garananga, Sheanes Mauchi, Peter Muduhwa, Godknows Murwira and Emmanuel Jalai. [/QUOTE]

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