Zimbabwe will head into the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations finals under new leadership, with Marvelous Nakamba entrusted to captain the Warriors in Morocco — a role loaded with both expectation and history.
Since making their AFCON debut in 2004, Zimbabwe have been led by four different captains at the continental tournament. However, across five appearances, the Warriors have never progressed beyond the group stages, finishing bottom of their pool on every occasion.
The journey began in Tunisia in 2004 when the late Peter Ndlovu captained Zimbabwe at their maiden finals. Ndlovu again wore the armband at the 2006 tournament in Egypt before handing over to Benjani Mwaruwari during the same competition. Despite the change in leadership, the outcome remained the same, with Zimbabwe eliminated at the group phase in a tough section that featured Ghana, Nigeria and Senegal.
Willard Katsande carried the responsibility at the 2017 finals in Gabon, where the Warriors once again exited early after finishing bottom in a group that included Senegal, Tunisia and Algeria.
Knowledge Musona later took charge at both the 2019 and 2021 editions, but Zimbabwe’s long-standing struggle to reach the knockout rounds persisted.
Now, that responsibility shifts to Nakamba, who will lead the Warriors at the 2025 AFCON finals set to kick off on Sunday in Morocco. At 31, the Luton Town midfielder has an opportunity to achieve what no Zimbabwean captain has managed before — guiding the national team beyond the group stage.
Nakamba spoke confidently after the team’s final preparations, shortly before departing for Morocco, describing a positive atmosphere within the camp.
“The morale is high and the boys are pushing each other in training,” said Nakamba. “So far, everything is going well.”
Zimbabwe have been drawn into a demanding Group B alongside record champions Egypt, 2021 semi-finalists South Africa and an improving Angola side. Their campaign begins with a high-profile encounter against Egypt on December 22.
“It’s definitely a tough group, but football is about competition,” Nakamba said. “Every group at AFCON is difficult. We just need to focus on ourselves, prepare properly and fight for the country.”
The skipper added that unity and belief would be key to Zimbabwe’s chances, noting the strong backing the team has received from various stakeholders, including Government.
Last week, President Emmerson Mnangagwa presented the Warriors with US$400 000 during a send-off ceremony.
“We are getting tremendous support from all sides,” Nakamba said. “Now it’s up to us as players to give everything for the flag.”
Should Nakamba succeed, he will secure his place in Zimbabwean football history as the first captain to lead the Warriors into the AFCON knockout stages.
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