Warriors head coach Michael Nees has defended his decision to include six Scottland FC players in the squad for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers against Benin and Nigeria, citing their superior fitness levels following an intensive pre-season.
The selected players—Khama Billiat, Mthokozisi Msebe, Peter Muduhwa, Godknows Murwira, Tymon Machope, and Walter Musona—were part of Scottland FC’s three-week training camp in Zambia, an experience Nees believes has given them a competitive edge over other locally-based players.
“Scottland was in Zambia for three weeks, while Simba Bhora also had a pre-season camp in South Africa. These teams had the resources to prepare well, and you can see the results in their players’ fitness and sharpness,” Nees explained.
Alongside the Scottland FC contingent, other locally-based players named in the squad include Simba Bhora’s Isheanesu Mauchi, MWOS goalkeeper Martin Mapisa, and Dynamos captain Emmanuel Jalai.
Zimbabwe is set to face Benin on March 20 at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban before traveling to Nigeria for a crucial match against the Super Eagles at Godswill Akpabio Stadium on March 25.
Heading into these qualifiers, Rwanda leads Group C with seven points, followed by South Africa and Benin, who are also on seven points. Lesotho has five points, Nigeria sits on three, while Zimbabwe is currently at the bottom with just two points.
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