The tournament will be staged at the Obed Itani Chilume Stadium, where the Warriors are scheduled to be in action on March 28 and 31.
The competition will offer Zimbabwe an important platform to continue building momentum, strengthen combinations within the squad and assess players in a competitive international setting.
However, while naming the squad, coach Marian Marinica left out Munetsi, who last featured for the Warriors late last year before missing the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.
Munetsi has scored three goals in three matches
The 29-year-old, who is currently on loan from Wolverhampton Wanderers, is enjoying a good campaign at Paris FC, having scored three goals in three consecutive matches. In total, he has managed nine appearances in Ligue 1.
Apart from Munetsi, other players missing out include Brendan Galloway of Plymouth Argyle, Tawanda Chirewa of Barnsley and Jordan Zemura of Udinese Calcio, who are all sidelined through injury.
Among the selected players are experienced figures such as Teenage Hadebe, Marvelous Nakamba, Knowledge Musona, Prince Dube and Macauley Bonne, while a number of younger players will be looking to make a strong impression in national colours.
According to Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA, the squad’s composition will give the technical team an opportunity to further evaluate depth, chemistry and readiness as the Warriors continue their preparations for future assignments.
Speaking after naming the squad, Marinica refused to touch on the absence of Munetsi, who many anticipated to see in the squad. Marinica further said he was pleased with the balance and quality of the group selected for the tournament.
“We are looking forward to this FIFA window and the opportunity to work with the players in a competitive environment,” said Marinica as quoted by ZIFA website.
“We have selected a squad that gives us experience, energy and quality, and this tournament will be important in helping us continue building the team in the right direction.”
Munetsi has so far managed 35 appearances for Zimbabwe and scored two goals.
Zimbabwe squad for tournament;
Goalkeepers: Elvis Chipezeze (Magesi FC), Future Sibanda (ZPC Kariba), Marley Tavaziva (Brentford).
Defenders: Andrew Mbeba (Highlanders), Emmanuel Jalai (Durban City), Corbin Mthunzi (Ipswich Town), Munashe Garananga (Hibernian), Gerald Takwara (Al Itihad Misurata), Isheanesu Mauchi (Chippa United), Teenage Hadebe (FC Cincinnati), Shane Maroodza (Sarajevo).
Midfielders: Bill Antonio (KV Mechelen), Sean Fusire (Sheffield Wednesday), Marvelous Nakamba (Sheffield Wednesday), Jonah Fabisch (FC Erzgebirge Aue), Panashe Makwiramiti (Haverfordwest), Prosper Padera (SJK Seinäjoki)
Forwards: Tawanda Maswanhise (Motherwell), Daniel Musendami (Orlando Pirates), Knowledge Musona (Scottland), Prince Dube (Young Africans), Macauley Bonne (Billericay), Thando Ngwenya (AmaZulu).
Pasuwa names Malawi squad
Meanwhile, Malawi Flames have been in camp preparing for the tournament, which will form as part of their preparations for upcoming AFCON qualifying assignments following their last international fixture against Lesotho in November.
Malawi coach Kalisto Pasuwa handed maiden senior national team call-ups to defenders Dan Sandukira, Hermas Masinja and Charles Mafaiti, as well as forward Wallace Adam.
The Flames coach is expected to announce his final squad, which will include foreign-based players, closer to the FIFA international break.
Malawi list of local based players;
Goalkeepers: Dalitso Khungwa (Mighty Wanderers FC), George Chikooka (Silver Strikers FC), Joshua Waka (Ekhaya FC).
Defenders: MacDonald Lameck (Silver Strikers FC), Blessings Mpokera (FCB Nyasa Big Bullets), Alex Kambilinya (Tigers FC), Emmanuel Nyirenda (Mighty Wanderers FC), Fanizo Mwansambo (Ekhaya FC), Hermas Masinja (Ekhaya FC), Charles Mafaiti (Civo FC), Dan Sandukira (Silver Strikers FC).
Midfielders: Yankho Singo (FCB Nyasa Big Bullets), Moses Banda (Ekhaya FC), Blessings Singini (Mighty Wanderers FC), Uchizi Vunga (Silver Strikers FC), Chawanangwa Gumbo (FCB Nyasa Big Bullets), Charles Nkhoma (Moyale Barracks).
Forwards: Andrew Joseph (Silver Strikers FC), Ephraim Kondowe (FCB Nyasa Big Bullets), Allen Chihana (Karonga United FC), Wallace Adam (Mighty Wanderers FC), and Gaddie Chirwa (Mighty Wanderers FC).
