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Zimbabwe national football team

(Redirected from Rhodesia national football team)
This article is about the men's team. For the women's team, see Zimbabwe women's 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 five times. Zimbabwe has also won the COSAFA Cup a record six times. The team represents both FIFA and Confederation of African Football (CAF).

Zimbabwe
Shirt badge/Association crest
Nickname(s)The Warriors
AssociationZimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA)
ConfederationCAF (Africa)
Sub-confederationCOSAFA (Southern Africa)
Head coachMichael Nees
CaptainMarshall Munetsi
Most capsPeter Ndlovu (81)
Top scorerPeter Ndlovu (37)
Home stadiumNational Sports Stadium
FIFA codeZIM
First colours
Second colours
Third colours
FIFA ranking
Current 117 Increase 7 (24 October 2024)[1]
Highest39 (April 1994)
Lowest131 (October 2009, February–March 2016)
First international
 Southern Rhodesia 0–4 Northern Rhodesia 
(Southern Rhodesia; 1946)
Biggest win
 Botswana 0–7 Zimbabwe 
(Gaborone, Botswana; 26 August 1990)
Biggest defeat
 South Africa 7–0 Rhodesia 
(South Africa; 9 April 1977)
Africa Cup of Nations
Appearances5 (first in 2004)
Best resultGroup stage (2004, 2006, 2017, 2019, 2021)
African Nations Championship
Appearances5 (first in 2009)
Best resultFourth place (2014)
COSAFA Cup
Appearances20 (first in 1997)
Best resultChampions (2000, 2003, 2005, 2009, 2017, 2018)
Four Nations Football Tournament
Appearances1 (first in 2024)
Best resultRunner-up (2024)
Medal record
COSAFA Cup
Gold medal – first place 2000 Southern Africa
Gold medal – first place 2003 Southern Africa
Gold medal – first place 2005 Southern Africa
Gold medal – first place 2009 Zimbabwe
Gold medal – first place 2017 South Africa
Gold medal – first place 2018 South Africa
Silver medal – second place 1998 Southern Africa
Silver medal – second place 2001 Southern Africa
Silver medal – second place 2013 Zambia Team
Bronze medal – third place 2019 South Africa
CECAFA Cup
Gold medal – first place 1985 Zimbabwe
Silver medal – second place 1983 Kenya
Bronze medal – third place 1982 Uganda

History

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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.[3] 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.[4] 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.[5] 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.[5]

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.[6][7] 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, [8]were not selected for the national team for 10 years.[9] 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.[9][10]

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".[11]

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.[12] 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

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

Results and fixtures

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Main article: Zimbabwe national football team results (2020–present)

The following is a list of match results in the last 12 months, as well as any future matches that have been scheduled.

  Win   Draw   Loss   Fixture

2023

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15 November 2026 World Cup qualification Rwanda   0–0   Zimbabwe Butare, Rwanda
15:00 UTC+2 Report Stadium: Stade Huye
Referee: Mohamed Ali Moussa (Niger)
19 November 2026 World Cup qualification Zimbabwe   1–1   Nigeria Butare, Rwanda
15:00 UTC+2
  • Musona   26'
 Report
Stadium: Stade Huye
Attendance: 2,876
Referee: Souleiman Ahmed Djama (Djibouti)

2024

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23 March Friendly Zambia   2–2
(5–6 p)		   Zimbabwe Lilongwe, Malawi
Report Stadium: Bingu National Stadium
26 March Friendly Zimbabwe   1–3   Kenya Lilongwe, Malawi
Report Stadium: Bingu National Stadium
7 June 2026 World Cup qualification Zimbabwe   0–2   Lesotho Johannesburg, South Africa
15:00 UTC+2 Report
Stadium: Orlando Stadium
Referee: Thulani Sibandze (Eswatini)
11 June 2026 World Cup qualification South Africa   3–1   Zimbabwe Bloemfontein, South Africa
18:00 UTC+2
Report
Stadium: Free State Stadium
Referee: Mohamed Maarouf Eid Mansour (Egypt)
27 June 2024 COSAFA Cup Zimbabwe   1–0   Comoros Gqeberha, South Africa
15:00
Report Stadium: Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium
30 June 2024 COSAFA Cup Zambia   0–2   Zimbabwe Gqeberha, South Africa
15:00 Report
Stadium: Isaac Wolfson Stadium
2 July 2024 COSAFA Cup Kenya   2–0   Zimbabwe Gqeberha, South Africa
12:00
Report Stadium: Isaac Wolfson Stadium
6 September 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualification Kenya   0–0   Zimbabwe Kampala, Uganda
16:00 UTC+3 Report Stadium: Mandela National Stadium
Referee: Adalbert Douf (Senegal)
10 September 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualification Zimbabwe   0–0   Cameroon Kampala, Uganda
19:00 UTC+3 Report Stadium: Mandela National Stadium
Referee: Mahmoud El Banna (Egypt)
10 October 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualification Namibia   0–1   Zimbabwe Johannesburg, South Africa
15:00 UTC+2 Report Billiat   34' (pen.) Stadium: Orlando Stadium
Referee: Patrice Mebiame (Gabon)
14 October 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualification Zimbabwe   3–1   Namibia Johannesburg, South Africa
18:00 UTC+2
Report
Stadium: Orlando Stadium
Referee: Yannick Malala (DR Congo)
10 November 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualification Zimbabwe   v   Kenya TBA
Stadium: TBA
18 November 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualification Cameroon   v   Zimbabwe TBA
Stadium: TBA

Coaching history

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Caretaker managers are listed in italics.

Coaching staff

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Head coach   Michael Nees
Assistant coaches   Harold Ngwenya
  Creedence Zinyemba
Goalkeeping coach   Austin Chigwedere
Fitness Coach   Donald Mupfumi
Match Analyst   Kingsley Chirwa
Doctors   Dr. Takunda Mavhunga
  Dr. John Chikokore
Physiotherapists   James Chikanga
  Kathleen Mkhize
  David Nyamuzihwa
  Richard Mupanga
Team coordinator   Preston Nyoni
Technical director   Norman Mapeza

Players

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Current squad

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The following players were selected for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualification matches against Kenya and Cameroon on 6 and 10 September 2024.[13]

Caps and goals are correct as of 11 June 2024, after the match against South Africa.

No. Pos. Player Date of birth (age) Caps Goals Club
1GK Washington Arubi (1985-08-29) 29 August 1985 (age 39) 30 0   Marumo Gallants
1GK Bernard Donovan (1995-07-12) 12 July 1995 (age 29) 6 0   Chicken Inn
1GK Marley Tavaziva (2004-12-17) 17 December 2004 (age 19) 0 0   Brentford B
2DF Teenage Hadebe (1995-09-17) 17 September 1995 (age 29) 40 4   Cincinnati
2DF Gerald Takwara (1994-10-29) 29 October 1994 (age 30) 20 0   Al-Minaa
2DF Andrew Mbeba (2000-02-19) 19 February 2000 (age 24) 7 0   Highlanders
2DF Godknows Murwira (1993-07-04) 4 July 1993 (age 31) 6 0   CAPS United
2DF Munashe Garananga (2001-01-18) 18 January 2001 (age 23) 4 0   Copenhagen
2DF Brendan Galloway (1996-03-17) 17 March 1996 (age 28) 3 0   Plymouth Argyle
2DF Emmanuel Jalai (1999-01-06) 6 January 1999 (age 25) 1 0   Dynamos
3MF Marshall Munetsi (1996-06-22) 22 June 1996 (age 28) 29 1   Stade de Reims
3MF Richard Hachiro (1998-01-27) 27 January 1998 (age 26) 12 0   Ngezi Platinum
3MF Walter Musona (1995-12-12) 12 December 1995 (age 28) 10 2   Simba Bhora
3MF Jordan Zemura (1999-11-14) 14 November 1999 (age 25) 10 0   Udinese
3MF Brian Banda (1995-09-09) 9 September 1995 (age 29) 7 0   Platinum
3MF Andy Rinomhota (1997-04-21) 21 April 1997 (age 27) 5 0   Cardiff City
3MF Daniel Msendami (2000-10-24) 24 October 2000 (age 24) 4 0   Marumo Gallants
3MF Tawanda Maswanhise (2002-11-20) 20 November 2002 (age 22) 3 0   Motherwell
3MF Tawanda Chirewa (2003-10-11) 11 October 2003 (age 21) 2 1   Wolverhampton Wanderers
4FW Tino Kadewere (1996-01-05) 5 January 1996 (age 28) 27 3   Nantes
4FW Prince Dube (1997-02-17) 17 February 1997 (age 27) 16 7   Young Africans
4FW Obriel Chirinda (1997-01-28) 28 January 1997 (age 27) 6 1   Ngezi Platinum
4FW Douglas Mapfumo (2000-03-01) 1 March 2000 (age 24) 1 0   Polokwane City

Recent call-ups

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The following players have been called up for Zimbabwe in the last 12 months.

Pos. Player Date of birth (age) Caps Goals Club Latest call-up
GK Raphael Pitisi (2002-10-16) 16 October 2002 (age 22) 1 0   Highlanders 2024 COSAFA Cup
GK Joseph Kaunda (2005-09-04) 4 September 2005 (age 19) 0 0   Manica Diamonds 2024 COSAFA Cup
GK Martin Mapisa (1998-05-25) 25 May 1998 (age 26) 2 0   Dynamos v.   South Africa; 11 June 2024
GK Godfrey Chitsumba (1998-09-18) 18 September 1998 (age 26) 1 0   Manica Diamonds v.   South Africa; 11 June 2024
DF Malvern Hativagoni (2002-09-02) 2 September 2002 (age 22) 1 0   Bulawayo Chiefs 2024 COSAFA Cup
DF Tawanda Chisi (2000-11-14) 14 November 2000 (age 24) 0 0   Manica Diamonds 2024 COSAFA Cup
DF Shane Maroodza (2004-05-18) 18 May 2004 (age 20) 0 0   Huddersfield Town 2024 COSAFA Cup
DF Isheanesu Mauchi 0 0   Simba Bhora 2024 COSAFA Cup
DF Divine Lunga (1995-05-28) 28 May 1995 (age 29) 23 0   Mamelodi Sundowns v.   South Africa; 11 June 2024
DF Peter Muduhwa (1993-08-11) 11 August 1993 (age 31) 14 0   Highlanders v.   Kenya; 26 March 2024
DF Frank Makarati (1994-03-14) 14 March 1994 (age 30) 1 0   Dynamos v.   Nigeria; 19 November 2023
MF Tatenda Tavengwa (1997-03-29) 29 March 1997 (age 27) 4 0   Venda 2024 COSAFA Cup
MF Donald Mudadi (1996-03-02) 2 March 1996 (age 28) 2 0   Dynamos 2024 COSAFA Cup
MF Joey Phuthi (2005-01-02) 2 January 2005 (age 19) 1 0   Sheffield Wednesday 2024 COSAFA Cup
MF Juan Mutudza (1999-04-12) 12 April 1999 (age 25) 1 0   Platinum 2024 COSAFA Cup
MF Tinotenda Meke 0 0   Green Fuel 2024 COSAFA Cup
MF Kingsley Mureremba (2005-01-19) 19 January 2005 (age 19) 0 0   CAPS United 2024 COSAFA Cup
MF McKinnon Mushore (2000-07-27) 27 July 2000 (age 24) 0 0   Highlanders 2024 COSAFA Cup
MF Panashe Mutimbanyoka (2002-02-21) 21 February 2002 (age 22) 0 0   Platinum 2024 COSAFA Cup
MF Tivonge Rushesha (2002-07-24) 24 July 2002 (age 22) 0 0   Reading v.   South Africa; 11 June 2024
MF Marvelous Nakamba (1994-01-19) 19 January 1994 (age 30) 28 0   Luton Town v.   Nigeria; 19 November 2023
MF Tanaka Shandirwa (1999-12-04) 4 December 1999 (age 24) 3 0   Dynamos v.   Nigeria; 19 November 2023
FW Takunda Benhura (2001-07-31) 31 July 2001 (age 23) 1 0   Ngezi Platinum 2024 COSAFA Cup
FW Washington Mapuwa 1 0   Green Fuel 2024 COSAFA Cup
FW Never Rauzhi 1 0   Bulawayo Chiefs 2024 COSAFA Cup
FW Michael Tapera (1998-07-18) 18 July 1998 (age 26) 1 1   Manica Diamonds 2024 COSAFA Cup
FW Tymon Machope (1993-07-03) 3 July 1993 (age 31) 2 0   Simba Bhora v.   South Africa; 11 June 2024
FW Terrence Dzvukamanja (1994-05-05) 5 May 1994 (age 30) 16 0   SuperSport United v.   Nigeria; 19 November 2023
FW Admiral Muskwe (1998-08-21) 21 August 1998 (age 26) 7 1   Exeter City v.   Nigeria; 19 November 2023

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.

Records

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As of 19 November 2024[14]
Players in bold are still active with Zimbabwe.

Most appearances

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Rank Player Caps Goals Career
1 Peter Ndlovu 81 37 1991–2007
2 John Phiri U 62 1 1983–1997
3 Adam Ndlovu 57 34 1990–2004
Khama Billiat 57 18 2011–present
5 Esrom Nyandoro 56 4 2001–2012
6 Dumisani Mpofu 52 0 1996–2006
Knowledge Musona 52 25 2010–2022
8 Ovidy Karuru 50 7 2007–2021
9 Ronald Sibanda 49 3 1997–2007
10 Onismor Bhasera 45 0 2006–2022
Note: U indicates that a player's statistics are unverified.

Top goalscorers

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Rank Player Goals Caps Ratio Career
1 Peter Ndlovu 37 81 0.46 1991–2007
2 Adam Ndlovu 34 57 0.6 2010–2012
3 Knowledge Musona 25 52 0.48 2010–2022
4 Agent Sawu 18 57 0.32 1990–2004
Khama Billiat 18 57 0.32 2011–present
6 Vitalis Takawira 12 30 0.4 1992–1998
7 Luke Jukulile 10 15 0.67 2000–2001
Benjani Mwaruwari 10 42 0.24 1999–2010
9 Stanley Ndunduma 9 17 0.53 1983–1989
Cuthbert Malajila 9 32 0.28 2008–2017

Competitive record

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FIFA World Cup

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FIFA World Cup record Qualification record
Year Round Position Pld W D* L GF GA Pld W D L GF GA
1930 to 1962 Part of   United Kingdom Part of   United Kingdom
as   Rhodesia as   Rhodesia
  1966 Did not enter Did not enter
  1970 Did not qualify from Asia/Oceania zone 3 0 2 1 2 4
  1974 Did not enter Did not enter
  1978
as   Zimbabwe as   Zimbabwe
  1982 Did not qualify from African zone 2 1 0 1 1 2
  1986 2 0 1 1 1 2
  1990 4 0 1 3 1 10
  1994 10 6 2 2 11 10
  1998 8 2 2 4 10 10
    2002 8 6 0 2 11 6
  2006 12 5 3 4 17 16
  2010 6 1 3 2 4 6
  2014 6 0 2 4 4 9
  2018 Expelled from qualifying competition[15] Expelled from qualifying competition
  2022 Did not qualify from African zone 8 1 2 5 5 9
      2026 To be determined 4 0 2 2 2 6
      2030 To be determined
  2034
Total — 0/15 — — — — — — 73 22 20 31 69 90

Africa Cup of Nations

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Africa Cup of Nations record
Appearances: 5
Year Round Position Pld W D* L GF GA
  1957 to   1980 Not affiliated to CAF
  1982 to   2002 Did not qualify
  2004 Group stage 14th 3 1 0 2 6 8
  2006 13th 3 1 0 2 2 5
  2008 to   2015 Did not qualify
  2017 Group stage 14th 3 0 1 2 4 8
  2019 21st 3 0 1 2 1 6
  2021 17th 3 1 0 2 3 4
  2023 Disqualified due to FIFA suspension
  2025 To be determined
      2027
  2029
Total Group stage 5/34 15 3 2 10 16 31

African Nations Championship

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

African Games

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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

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  • 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

CECAFA Cup

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  • 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

Honours

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Intercontinental

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Regional

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Minor competitions

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References

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  1. ^ "The FIFA/Coca-Cola Men's World Ranking". FIFA. 24 October 2024. Retrieved 24 October 2024.
  2. ^ Elo rankings change compared to one year ago. "World Football Elo Ratings". eloratings.net. 21 November 2024. Retrieved 21 November 2024.
  3. ^ "England Matches – Unofficial". Englandfootballonline.com. Archived from the original on 11 May 2018. Retrieved 6 September 2016.
  4. ^ Gilchrist, Paul (2013). The Politics of Sport: Community, Mobility, Identity. Routledge. p. 51. ISBN 978-1317990994.
  5. ^ a b "When Rhodesia flirted with the World Cup". FIFA.com. 29 August 2016. Archived from the original on 4 September 2016. Retrieved 6 September 2016.
  6. ^ "Cameroon national football team: record v Zimbabwe". 11v11.com. AFS Enterprises Limited. Archived from the original on 17 September 2016. Retrieved 6 September 2016.
  7. ^ "1982 FIFA World Cup Spain – Matches – Zimbabwe-Cameroon". FIFA.com. 23 July 2016. Archived from the original on 17 September 2016. Retrieved 6 September 2016.
  8. ^ "Bruce Grobbelaar: Zimbabwe's Legendary Goalkeeper". Boxscore World Sportswire. 28 August 2022. Archived from the original on 1 April 2023. Retrieved 1 April 2023.
  9. ^ a b Hawkey, Ian. "When Peter Ndlovu and Bruce Grobbelaar made Zimbabwe dare to dream". The Guardian. Archived from the original on 2 October 2018. Retrieved 20 August 2015.
  10. ^ "World Cup 1994 Qualifying". Rsssf. 9 June 2016. Archived from the original on 31 March 2023. Retrieved 6 September 2016.
  11. ^ "Anger over Zimbabwe anthem gaffe". BBC News. 26 January 2004. Archived from the original on 29 February 2004. Retrieved 6 September 2016.
  12. ^ "Zimbabwe expelled from 2018 World Cup". BBC Sport. 12 March 2015. Archived from the original on 30 June 2018. Retrieved 6 September 2016.
  13. ^ "Warriors Squad". Twitter. Zimbabwe Football Association.
  14. ^ "Zimbabwe". National Football Teams.
  15. ^ "Zimbabwe expelled from the preliminary competition of the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia". FIFA.com. 12 March 2015. Archived from the original on 17 March 2015.
  16. ^ Chaudhuri, Arunava; Stokkermans, Karel (2001). "Afro-Asian Games 2003". RSSSF. Archived from the original on 28 September 2022. Retrieved 20 August 2020.
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