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Message: [QUOTE="Nehanda, post: 28892, member: 2262"] Zimbabwe Warriors head coach Michael Nees recently changed his team lineup for the upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifying matches. The national soccer team faces tough tests against Nigeria and Benin next week in Group C action. Team captain Marvelous Nakamba won't play because of his hurt calf muscle. The Luton Town midfielder damaged his soleus muscle about three weeks ago and needs at least six weeks to heal completely. Nees first planned to keep the 31-year-old captain on the roster but changed his mind after checking how bad the injury actually was. The coach picked Richard Hachiro from Ngezi Platinum Stars to take Nakamba's place on the field. According to team officials, players based in Zimbabwe should fly to South Africa this afternoon. Soccer stars who play for teams outside Zimbabwe will travel straight to South Africa from wherever they currently live. The Warriors team plans to battle against Benin at Moses Mabida Stadium in Durban on March 20th. Four days later, they'll head to Uyo, where they'll face off against Nigeria's Super Eagles. Both games count toward qualifying for the 2026 World Cup tournament. These matches matter greatly for Zimbabwe's chances to advance from Group C of the African qualifiers. Coach Nees made this roster adjustment, hoping to keep the team competitive despite missing their leader. The absence of Nakamba creates a big challenge since he commands the midfield area. Hachiro must step up quickly to fill those shoes during these crucial games. The Zimbabwe Football Association arranged for both qualifying matches to happen in South Africa instead of their home country because local stadiums don't meet the international standards required for World Cup qualifying matches. [/QUOTE]

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