Onismor Bhasera calls out for increased backing in new chapter for Zimbabwe

The Warriors have recently had their FIFA ban lifted, allowing them to compete in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers for one of nine slots allocated to Africa in the same group as Bafana Bafana, Nigeria, Rwanda, Benin, and Lesotho.

Zimbabwe will not be at the AFCON next month as the sanction kicked in during the qualifiers, but now that they are back Bhasera sees a bright future.

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"It was very unfortunate that we got banned but as you know, we've got quality and with proper organisation we'll go far," said Bhasera.

Zimbabwe only managed successive draws last month against Rwanda and Nigeria, the fixture against the latter being scheduled away from home due to The Warriors not having a CAF-approved venue.

Bhasera insists these are the administrative blunders that set the national team back.

"Check a team like us, with quality that we have. We get to play in Rwanda. I'm talking about if we get the assistance from the administration because imagine if we were playing at home, putting that performance against Nigeria. We'll be talking a different story, maybe a win," he added.

Bhasera expects to see a few more national team debutants next year as he strongly believes The Warriors technical team has only just scratched the surface.

He adds Zimbabwe are capable of finishing ahead of favourites Nigeria and Bafana.

"There's other ones who are doing very well. They're in different clubs who also want to dawn that national team jersey. So, when you wear that jersey, you're gonna have to wear it with pride and you've got to go out there and work very hard and show that you deserve it and cement your place. So, looking forward to the next round of the qualifiers. Anything is possible and with the quality we have, we should be sitting up there."