The Warriors Abroad Round-up this week delivers a clear and powerful message: Zimbabwe’s internationals have returned from AFCON sharper, stronger, and fully locked in at club level. Across England and Scotland, Zimbabwean players were not just involved, they led, scored, organised, and influenced results in decisive fashion.
From commanding captains to emerging midfield generals, the performances suggest a group growing in confidence and responsibility with every outing.
Tendai Darikwa – Lincoln City ( League One)
Captain. Leader. Statement-maker.
This Warriors Abroad Round-up was headlined by Tendayi Darikwa, who delivered a captain’s masterclass as Lincoln City demolished Peterborough United 5–2. The Zimbabwe international right-back scored twice, striking just before halftime and again deep into stoppage time to put the contest beyond doubt.
Darikwa’s impact went far beyond the goals. He pushed forward with intent, defended aggressively, and led vocally throughout. Calm on the ball and ruthless without it, he dictated the tempo from right-back and deservedly claimed the Man of the Match award.
Now wearing the armband at Lincoln City, Darikwa continues to justify that trust. Having previously captained Wigan Athletic to a League One title, his experience is shaping a promotion-chasing side, and offering Zimbabwe elite-level leadership week after week.
Brendan Galloway – Plymouth Argyle
Another captain, another example set.
Fresh from AFCON duty, Brendan Galloway wasted no time reasserting his authority. The Plymouth Argyle skipper rose early to power home a header as his side cruised past Burton Albion 3–0.
Beyond the goal, Galloway marshalled his defence with composure and intelligence. He read danger early, dominated aerially, and kept his line organised. Leadership like this is not accidental, it is earned.
He became the second Zimbabwean to score immediately after returning from AFCON, and as this Warriors Abroad Round-up shows, the Warriors have come back with hunger, not fatigue.
Tawanda Maswanhise – Motherwell
Confidence growing, influence expanding.
Maswanhise made an instant impression in Scotland, scoring and assisting as Motherwell secured a comfortable 2–0 victory. He was the first Zimbabwean who was part of the Warriors squad that went to AFCON to score after returning from the continental showpiece.
Tawanda Chirewa – Wolverhampton Wanderers
Small minutes, big progress.
Chirewa came off the bench late as Wolves stunned West Ham 3–0 at Molineux. While the minutes were limited, the trust shown by the technical team is significant.
This marked his second Premier League appearance of the season, and with each cameo, his confidence grows. A potential loan move, possibly to Sheffield, could unlock consistent minutes and accelerate his development.
Sean Fusire – Sheffield Wednesday
Club football revealing the truth.
Fusire may not have featured at AFCON, but back in England, he is showing exactly what he brings. Against QPR, he controlled transitions, carried the ball through pressure, and broke opposition lines with ease.
A natural box-to-box midfielder, Fusire can also play as a right-back. His energy, awareness, and passing range stand out, proof that sometimes club football tells the full story.
Lucien Mahovo – Norwich City
Learning on a big stage.
Mahovo featured for Norwich City before being withdrawn on the hour in their 2–0 loss to Stoke City. While the result disappointed, the experience continues to shape him.
For a young defender, Championship minutes matter. Exposure to physicality, pace, and tactical discipline will sharpen his game long-term.
Injury Update – Zemura, Munetsi, Kadewere
Jordan Zemura, Tino Kadewere, and Marshall Munetsi remain sidelined following injuries sustained late in 2025, injuries that ruled them out of AFCON 2025 in Morocco. Encouragingly, all three are edging closer to full fitness, with rehabilitation progressing steadily.
Their return will significantly strengthen both club and country options.
ZiGoats Take
As this Warriors Abroad Round-up makes clear, Zimbabwe’s internationals are not fading after AFCON, they are rising. Captains are leading, young players are growing, and trust at club level is increasing.
The Warriors are back to work.
And across Europe, people are noticing.
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