Zimbabwe Warriors to travel to Morocco for friendlies against Burkina Faso and Niger

The Zimbabwe Warriors are set for an international assignment next month as they travel to Morocco to play friendly matches against Burkina Faso and Niger. This comes as part of preparations for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and future international competitions.

The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) officially confirmed the fixtures in a statement released on Tuesday, highlighting the strategic importance of the games.

“The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) is pleased to officially announce two upcoming international friendly matches for the Zimbabwe Senior Men’s National Team, the Warriors, as part of ongoing preparations for future competitive fixtures,” read the statement.

According to ZIFA, the Zimbabwe Warriors will lock horns with Burkina Faso on 6 June 2025, followed by a second encounter against Niger on 10 June 2025. Both matches will be held in Casablanca, Morocco.

Zimbabwe Warriors to Face Burkina Faso and Niger in Morocco Friendlies

These friendlies are more than just warm-up matches — they are integral to head coach Michael Nees’ long-term plan to mold a competitive and cohesive national team ahead of major tournaments, including the AFCON finals set for December 2025, also to be hosted in Morocco.

“These matches present an important opportunity for Michael Nees and his technical team to assess player readiness, test combinations, and build cohesion as the team continues its journey of growth and development on the international stage,” the ZIFA statement continued.

Burkina Faso and Niger are seen as formidable opponents, and both are expected to field strong squads. Facing off against such competition provides the Zimbabwe Warriors with a solid benchmark for performance and improvement.

ZIFA also emphasized that the upcoming friendlies are part of a wider vision to ensure the Warriors are regularly exposed to high-level international matches — a critical component in preparing for World Cup qualifiers and regional tournaments.

Coach Michael Nees is expected to name his squad for the two matches in the coming days. Selection will likely be influenced by his recent scouting trip to Europe, where he traveled alongside ZIFA president Nqobile Magwizi.

The duo visited the United Kingdom and Germany to engage with players of Zimbabwean descent who are eligible to represent the national team. The initiative is part of a broader strategy to tap into the Zimbabwean diaspora talent pool, which could significantly strengthen the national squad.

Several Europe-based players have already expressed interest in donning the Warriors jersey, and the upcoming friendlies present the perfect platform for Nees to integrate some of these fresh faces.

This outreach underscores the technical team’s proactive approach to talent identification and long-term squad development. By embracing both locally-based stars and foreign-based prospects, the Zimbabwe Warriors are positioning themselves as a more versatile and dynamic team on the continental stage.

ZIFA reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the technical team’s mission and providing the Zimbabwe Warriors with all necessary resources to succeed.

“ZIFA, in collaboration with the technical team, remains committed to ensuring that the Warriors are well-prepared to represent the nation with pride and purpose,” the statement concluded.

With the AFCON finals fast approaching, the friendlies in Morocco will give Coach Nees the chance to solidify his tactical approach, refine formations, and finalize his squad.

In recent months, the Zimbabwe Warriors have shown signs of resurgence, with improved performances and increased public interest. These matches against Burkina Faso and Niger will serve as both a test and a showcase of how far the team has come under Nees’ stewardship.

As the Warriors prepare for their June fixtures, fans back home and abroad will be eagerly watching to see which players make the squad and how the team performs.

The friendlies are not just about results but about building confidence, instilling team spirit, and fine-tuning strategies ahead of competitive action later this year.

The Zimbabwe Warriors are on a mission — not just to compete, but to rise again as one of Africa’s respected footballing nations. With renewed energy, broader scouting efforts, and strategic planning, the team’s journey continues — and Morocco is the next crucial stop.

Source- Nehanda radio