Know your Warriors: Munashe Garan’anga

Fungai Muderere, Senior Sports Reporter

WARRIORS team selection has since time immemorial provoked debate over some of the players’ eligibility to be called for national duty. 

In the most recent years, there have been a handful of footie stars of Zimbabwean origin who play overseas but little is known about them — potential, technical abilities and achievements. They have made names for themselves but for some when they get an international call for the Warriors, eyebrows are raised and arguments ensue over their eligibility and potential to represent the country.

As every Zimbabwean footballer has an equal chance to be selected to represent the country, this week we get to know Munashe Garan’anga, a rising Europe-based defender who turns out for Moldovan outfit Sheriff Tiraspol and was recently enlisted by interim Warriors coach Baltemar Brito in the team that featured in the first round of the 2026 World Cup qualifier matches against Rwanda and Nigeria.

The 22-year-old centre-back, Garan’anga has featured prominently for Sheriff Tiraspol since his move from Belarusian outfit Dinamo Brest. He helped the side complete a domestic league and cup double and featured prominently in their European campaign.

After narrowly missing out on a place in the Uefa Champions League group stages, Sheriff Tiraspol has been competing in the Europa League and Garan’anga has been an integral part of the team. It was in Rwanda that the dreadlocked defender managed to reunite with ex-Young Warriors captain Andrew Mbeba, another rising combative player who had a 2023 stellar performance in Highlanders colours.

Little was known that Garan’anga and the lanky Mbeba were part of the Young Warriors squad that ended as the first runners-up in the Cosafa contest that was played in neighbouring Zambia in 2019. Then Garan’anga was playing in the Zambian first division.

While Mbeba played all the two Warriors matches against Rwanda and Nigeria, Garan’anga was introduced as a second-half substitute to replace Tanzania based Prince Dube 21 minutes before full-time in a match that ended one all. And he reckons 20 November will always remain etched in his heart.

“The 20th of November will always remain special for me because I played my first few minutes at this level of the game. I felt very good to be with players I grew up watching ever since I was young. Joining a set-up that had my former Young Warriors captain Andrew Mbeba even made it easier. I would like to thank God for this opportunity,” he said.

Garan’anga is a ball playing defender and he is 186cm tall. His preferred foot is right. His preferred jersey number is 4. He has also been used as a ball winning defender. Garan’anga’s current transfer value is between €0,7M and €1,2M. (Additional reporting online)