Zimbabwe national team coach Michael Nees has admitted that AmaZulu star Thandolwenkosi Ngwenya posed a selection dilemma ahead of the current international break.
The Warriors will resume their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign with an away match against Benin on Friday, to be played in Ivory Coast.
Following that, they will face Rwanda in a home match at Orlando Stadium in South Africa, as Zimbabwe currently lacks a CAF and FIFA-approved venue within its borders.
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Head coach Nees announced his squad last week, notably omitting Tymon Machope initially.
Machope was later called up to replace an injured player, but Nees revealed that the forward’s initial exclusion was due to the impressive form of AmaZulu’s Thandolwenkosi Ngwenya.
Ngwenya joined AmaZulu from Zimbabwean club FC Platinum in July and has made an immediate impact in KwaZulu-Natal, scoring two goals in his first five Betway Premiership appearances.
Speaking to ZIFA Media, Nees explained: "There was a tight call between Thando and Machope. Although Machope had a very good run, Thando has also been exceptional.
"Thando made a statement, and that’s the reaction you want as a coach from a player. Tymon also made a statement — you go to the game and he scores two goals. He shows the coach that you made a mistake. ‘Take me.’ And that’s a fact, so I didn’t hesitate.
"But we had to wait to check all the other players. Thando has done very well, and we hope he can continue with the same work with us."
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By Lukhanyo Mtuta
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