The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) has extended its condolences to Warriors midfielder Andy Rinomhota and his family following the tragic death of his brother, Joseph Itai.
According to the BBC, Joseph, 30, passed away on Friday, 28 March, after sustaining a kick to the ribs during a Muay Thai boxing match on the island of Koh Samui, Thailand.
It was his first Muay Thai fight, and he collapsed several minutes after leaving the ring following a third-round stoppage.
Andy paid tribute to his brother in an emotional Instagram post, saying:
<blockquote>
No words or pictures are going to be enough to show or express the love I have and will always have for you my brother. Those we love don’t go away, they walk beside us every day. Rest in peace Joe.
</blockquote>
In a statement released on Monday, 31 March, ZIFA expressed their heartfelt sympathy and support to Andy and his family during this difficult time. Reads the statement:
<blockquote>
The Zimbabwe Football Association extends its deepest condolences to Warriors midfielder Andy Rinomhota and his family following the passing of his beloved brother.
In this moment of profound sorrow, we stand in solidarity with Andy, offering our thoughts and prayers to him and his loved ones.
Losing a family member is never easy, and we can only imagine the pain and heartbreak he is going through.
During this difficult time, we encourage Andy to find strength in the love and support of his family, friends, and the entire football family.
May the cherished memories of his brother bring him comfort, and may he find peace in knowing that he is not alone in his grief.
Our hearts are with you, Andy. May your brother’s soul rest in eternal peace.
<img alt="Image" decoding="async" src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GnXGESzWYAAiIid?format=jpg&amp;name=large"/>
</blockquote>

Pindula News

ZIFA, an organization for football in Zimbabwe, is very sad for Andy Rinomhota, a player on the team, because his brother Joseph died during a Muay Thai boxing match in Thailand. Andy is very sad and shared a message on Instagram about his love for his brother. ZIFA sent a message to show support for Andy and his family during this tough time. They are thinking of him and hope he finds strength from his loved ones. They want Andy to remember good memories of his brother and know that many people are thinking of him and his family.

ZIFA Mourns With Warriors' Andy Rinomhota Following Brother’s Sudden Death

Warriors midfielder Andy Rinomhota has said the team is focused on securing qualification for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, set to be held in Morocco, when they face Kenya’s Harambee Stars this Friday.
The Cardiff City midfielder acknowledged that Zimbabwe has struggled in past encounters against Kenya, therefore, they will not underestimate their opponents.
Zimbabwe was defeated 3-1 by Kenya at the inaugural Four Nations tournament on March 26, 2024, in Malawi, and later suffered a 2-0 loss to the same opponents in the COSAFA Cup on July 2, 2024. Said Rinomhota:
<blockquote>
It’s an important game so we can qualify for our main goal which is the Africa Cup of Nations finals.
We are just looking to finish the job against Kenya. We are looking forward to a very good performance and make Zimbabweans very proud.
It has been very tough playing against them (Kenya). So we can’t take the game lightly. We should give everything we can.
Everyone here has the same goal and they want to reach the finals.
For me, I would like to make my country proud and make progress.
</blockquote>
Rinomhota believes the Warriors have made steady progress under German coach Michael Nees. He said:
<blockquote>
I think we have a good foundation in terms of how we have been building.
The players are building more and more chemistry each time they are playing and the results have been there for everyone to see.
I think it’s the right step in the right direction. I think we need that more and more and be consistent.
</blockquote>
Zimbabwe faces the Harambee Stars this Friday at the new Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane, South Africa, in a crucial Group J match.
A draw will be enough for the Warriors to secure their spot in next year’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
If the Warriors draw, Kenya, who currently have four points, will drop two points and no longer be able to surpass Zimbabwe’s tally.
The Warriors still have a chance to top Group J if they win today and also defeat Cameroon in their final qualifier. With 14 points, they would finish ahead of Cameroon, who would remain on 11 points.
However, Zimbabwe’s qualification for AFCON 2025 is not guaranteed. If they lose to both Kenya and Cameroon, and Kenya beats Namibia in their final qualifier, the Warriors will miss out on qualification.
If that happens, Kenya would leapfrog Zimbabwe into second place with 10 points, while Zimbabwe would remain on 8 points.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

The Warriors are playing against Kenya to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations. They lost to Kenya before, so they won't underestimate them. It's an important game for them. The team has improved under their coach. A draw against Kenya will secure their spot in the tournament. If they win today and beat Cameroon, they can top their group. But if they lose both games and Kenya wins, they might not qualify. The game is very crucial for them.

Warriors Will Not Underestimate Kenya - Rinomhota

Warriors midfielder Andy Rinomhota said that team chemistry is now robust among the Warriors squad, as they prepare for the critical 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho (today) and South Africa (on Tuesday).
In an interview with Zimpapers Sports on Wednesday, 27-year-old Rinomhota asserted that the players have swiftly adapted and can seamlessly combine on the field. He said:
<blockquote>
Just this short period, and all this chemistry. I am very happy for the boys for quickly adjusting and combining well in the field of play.
I am looking forward to playing for the national team again. I hope to do everything I can for the team.
We should be dynamic around the pitch. I am happy to play with all these guys again. We have a very good relationship.
We should do everything to help our team move from the position we are at in Group C at the moment.
We know the upcoming fixtures will be important games for us as a country. I think we just have to be focused and aim to get the best result that we can.
I see a lot of faces who were in Rwanda when we played in the first two qualifiers against Rwanda and Nigeria. I am enjoying the chemistry, and obviously, that should help us do well.
</blockquote>
Rinomhota said the Warriors should start strongly against Lesotho and not give them time to settle. He said:
<blockquote>
We can do our best to show everyone what Zimbabwe can do. The most important thing for us is to start well in the match against Lesotho on Friday.
We should start on the front foot, play the ball, starve the opponent and stab them.
We surely need to get the points and move up the table. We know we can do it, especially with the passion that everyone is showing.
I can play in any position wherever the coach needs me to play, and I don’t have any problems playing as a 6, as a 10, and at 8. I have played all those positions while in the academy.
I can also play wing, so wherever I am needed, I can play.
</blockquote>
Zimbabwe is set to “host” Lesotho on Matchday three of the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers Group C at Orlando Stadium in Johannesburg, South Africa this Friday.
Kick-off is at 3 PM Central African Time (CAT). The match will be available to watch on ZBC TV in Zimbabwe.
In South Africa, SABC Sports will show the match live. The channel is available on DTT Decoder (South Africa only) and Open View.
FIFA Plus will stream the match live but in selected regions.
Rest of the Ground ticket costs R50 for adults and R30 for kids under the age of 12 years. Tickets can be bought at www.ticketpros.co.za.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Andy Rinomhota Impressed By Warriors Team's Solid "Chemistry"

EFL Championship club Rotherham United has officially announced that Zimbabwean international Andy Rinomhota will participate in the upcoming four-nation tournament scheduled to take place later this month in Lilongwe, Malawi.
Rinomhota has been included in the Warriors squad, representing Zimbabwe in this invitational competition.
The tournament will also feature the national teams of Malawi, Zambia, and Kenya.
Rinomhota, currently on loan from Cardiff City, will be available to play in the tournament.
Rotherham confirmed that Rinomhota, who is on loan from Cardiff City, will be available for the tournament, saying:
<blockquote>
Rotherham United midfielder Andy Rinomhota has been called up to the senior Zimbabwe National Team squad for the latest round of fixtures.
The on-loan Cardiff City midfielder will jet off to an invitational tournament, where the Warriors will take on the hosts Malawi, Zambia and Kenya between the 18th and 26th of March.
Leeds-born Rinomhota qualifies for the national team through his father and has been called up alongside other EFL players including Brendan Galloway of Plymouth Argyle, Macauley Bonne of Cambridge United and Reading’s Tivonge Rushesha.
Everyone at Rotherham United would like to congratulate Andy on his call-up to the national team and wish him all the best during the round of international fixtures.
</blockquote>
Zimbabwe’s match against neighbouring Zambia is scheduled for March 23 at 2 pm CAT, followed by another encounter at 5 pm CAT.
The winners will compete in the final on March 26, while the losing teams will face off in the 3rd/4th place play-off earlier on the same day.
The Under 20’s semifinals are also set for Thursday, March 21, with the final and third-place playoffs taking place on Sunday, March 24.
Warriors squad
Goalkeepers: Donovan Bernard (Chicken Inn), Martin Mapisa (Dynamos), Marley Tavaziva (Brentford B, England)
Defenders: Shane Maroodza (Huddersfield Town, England, Devine Lunga (Mamelodi Sundowns, South Africa), Gerald Takwara (Ohod FC, Saudi Arabia), Kevin Moyo (Dynamos), Teenage Hadebe (Konyaspor, Turkey), Peter Muduhwa (Highlanders), Munashe Garan’anga (KV Mechelen, Belgium), Emmanuel Jalai (Dynamos), Brendan Galloway (Plymouth Argyle England), Jordan Zemura (Udinese, Italy), Joey Phuthi (Sheffield Wednesday, England).
Midfielders: Marshall Munetsi (Reims, France), Junior Makunike (Simba Bhora), Tivonge Rushesha (Reading, England), Andy Rinomhota (Rotherham, England), Tawanda Chirewa (Wolves, England) Walter Musona (Simba Bhora)
Strikers: Tino Kadewere (Nantes, France), Daniel Msendami (Jwaneng Galaxy, Botswana) Tawanda Maswanhise (Leicester, England), Macauley Bonne (Cambridge United, England).
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Rotherham United Confirms Andy Rinomhota’s Availability For Four-Nation Tournament

Cardiff City midfielder <a href="https://wpindula.co.zw/Andrew_Farai_Rinomhota">Andrew Farai Rinomhota,</a> better known as Andy Rinomhota, says he is happy to have made his debut for the Zimbabwe national football team.
Rinomhota was named in the Warriors starting eleven against Nigeria in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifier on Sunday by coach Baltemar Brito.
The UK-born midfielder was arguably the game’s stand-out player before he was substituted eight minutes from time.
Speaking to ZIFA Media about his Warriors debut, the 26-year-old, who is the son of a Zimbabwean father and Welsh mother, said:
<blockquote>
I’m very happy to have made my debut. I was excited going into the game and looking forward to it.
I knew it was going to be a tough test but the bigger the game, the bigger the opportunity for myself and the team.
So I was looking forward to it before the kick-off and during the game. I feel good to be out there and wearing the Warriors jersey.
It was a very proud moment for myself and my family. I talked to them before the game and they told me how proud they were for me to play for the team.
So it wasn’t about going there to perform for myself and the team but for my family also.
</blockquote>
Rinomhota said the Warriors managed to match the Nigerians in all departments despite some questionable referee decisions and the challenge of playing on an artificial surface. He said:
<blockquote>
Going against Nigeria was a tough test for my first game, but I think the team stood the challenge very well and matched them toe for toe even against some difficult decisions and circumstances during the game.
</blockquote>
FC Platinum forward Walter Musona scored a stunning free-kick in the first half which was cancelled out by a Kelechi Iheanacho leveller in the second half. The match ended 1-1.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/2023/11/18/president-mnangagwa-reverses-the-appointment-of-general-valerio-sibanda-to-zanu-pf-politburo/">Pindula News</a>

Andy Rinomhota Reflects On Warriors Debut, Playing Against Nigerian Stars

Andy Rinomhota, a 25-year-old UK-based footballer with Zimbabwean heritage has finally committed to play for the Warriors.
Rinomhota was born in Leeds, United Kingdom, to a Zimbabwean father and a British mother.
Several Warriors coaches over the years have asked him to play for the Zimbabwe national team but he has snubbed the call-ups.
The Cardiff City midfielder was also named in the provisional Warriors squad for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2019 finals but ignored the call.
However, speaking during a recent press conference, Rinomhota said he will apply for a Zimbabwean passport so that he can showcase his talent at AFCON. He said:
<blockquote>
The time they called me up I was injured. Since then it would be an issue of applying for a Zimbabwean passport.
I haven’t gone around that process yet, but it’s something I will look into.
AFCON is a great platform to showcase your abilities. It’s another experience and another side to my game I could add, getting international experience.
I haven’t looked at it too in depth, but I think I’d have to get a Zimbabwean passport.
</blockquote>

UK-born Midfielder Commits To Play For Warriors

English Championship side Cardiff City has announced the signing of Zimbabwean-linked midfielder Andy Rinomhota.
Rinomhota (25), was born in the United Kingdom to a Zimbabwean father and British mother.
He joins Cardiff from fellow Championship side Reading on a three-year deal.
After training with his new teammates for the first time, Rinomhota said:
<blockquote>
I spoke with the manager, and I liked his ideas and his plans moving forward.
His ambitions were in line with mine, and the philosophy he wants to play with suits my style of football.
The club has a good history and a good reputation. Everybody has been very welcoming and helpful, and they seem like a good group of lads. It should be easy to settle in.
I’m a midfield player. I would say that I’m box-to-box, but I can sit and be more defensive as well because I like to break up play.
I like to drive with the ball, get past players, and make runs behind the striker.
I’m looking to do a bit of everything, and hopefully, I can implement my style in this team.
</blockquote>
Cardiff manager Steve Morison said Rinomhota will bring competition to the Blues squad. He said:
<blockquote>
He’s a top player, and he wanted to come and play for us. He had a tough year last year with a couple of injuries, but before that he played two 40+ game seasons.
He was a top player for Reading. We’ll manage him right, and we hope to get 40 top-quality games out of him this year.
Nobody is guaranteed a starting spot. Everybody will be looking over their shoulders and fighting for their place.
I’m really pleased, because for me, competition breeds winners, and it brings that little bit extra on the pitch.
</blockquote>
Rinomhota made his debut for Reading in 2017, and featured on 139 occasions for the club in total, scoring four goals.
He enjoyed a particularly strong Championship campaign in 2018/19, picking up Reading’s Player of the Season Award.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.cardiffcityfc.co.uk/news/andy-rinomhota-signs-bluebirds">Cardiff City FC</a></h4>

Warriors Prospect Andy Rinomhota Signs for Cardiff City

United Kingdom-based footballer Andy Rinomhota has reportedly turned down the chance to play for Zimbabwe in the hope of securing a senior call-up for England in the future.
Rinomhota, who plays for English football Championship club Reading, was born in Leeds, United Kingdom, to a Zimbabwean father and British mother and is therefore eligible to play for the Warriors.
The Standard has however established that the midfielder has spurned the offer to play for Zimbabwe as he prefers to play for England. The publication quotes its source as saying:
<blockquote>Andy Rinomhota is one of the players Warriors coach Zdravko Logarušic has been closely monitoring ahead of the back-to-back qualifiers against Algeria.
He has been playing very well at Reading where he has established himself as one of the top midfielders not only for his team but in the Championship.
In the past, he had shown interest in playing for the Warriors, but it seems like he has changed his mind and now appears set on playing for England.</blockquote>
The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) has in recent years been courting diaspora-born footballers to play for the Warriors.
Nottingham Forest defender Tendayi Darikwa, Moldova-based Alec Mudimu, Leicester City Academy striker Admiral Muskwe and Queens Park Rangers forward Macauley Bonne have all featured for the Warriors.
Jordan Zemura (Bournemouth), and David Moyo of Scottish top-flight side Hamilton Academical, are also some of the identified players who are on the cusp of earning national team call-ups.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.thestandard.co.zw/2020/10/25/andy-rinomhota-snubs-warriors/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Standard</a></h4>

Andy Rinomhota Prefers Three Lions Over Warriors

<a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Zimbabwe_National_Football_Team" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Warriors</a> hopeful, Andy Rinomhota has been linked with a January move from current club Reading to Championship rivals Leeds United.
Reading manager Mark Bowen has confirmed that the Marcelo Bielsa-managed Leeds are interested in signing the Royals’ reigning Player of the Year. He said:
<blockquote>Andy’s thought of as a valuable team and squad member so full credit to him.
He has come up through our academy and has established himself now with teams like Leeds talking about him.
But I don’t care about that, it’s what he does for us and hopefully, he’s fit and available for selection on Saturday again.</blockquote>
The 22-year-old was born in Leeds, in the United Kingdom, and has featured in all of Reading’s 17 Championship games so far this season.
Rinomhota rose up through the youth ranks at the Madejski Stadium before breaking into their senior side and earning a regular role in the middle of the park.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.newzimbabwe.com/warriors-hopeful-andy-rinomhota-linked-with-leeds-move/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">NewZimbabwe.com</a></h4>

UK-born Andy Rinomhota Linked With Move To Leeds United

Warriors hopeful, Andy Rinomhota, has been named Player of the Season by English Championship Club Reading.
The 22-year-old was presented with the award on Sunday, in the team’s final game of the campaign at the Madejski Stadium which ended in a goalless draw against Birmingham.
Rinomhota made 30 appearances in all competitions this season and scored one goal.
He played a total of 2 393 minutes, bagging a couple of Man of the Match Awards on the way.
The England-born midfielder extended his contract with Reading in February until 2022.
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Andy Rinomhota Named Reading Player Of The Season

England-born Warriors hopeful Andy Rinomhota has been rewarded for his rapid rise at English Championship side Reading FC after signing a new contract to stay at the club until 2022.
Rinomhota is a British citizen by birth born to Zimbabwean parents and is therefore eligible to play for the Zimbabwe national team. He was born in Leeds, United Kingdom.
In a statement on the Reading FC website, manager Jose Gomes had this to say:
<blockquote>I am very pleased that Andy has extended his contract with us at Reading. He has drive and determination, which are fantastic assets for any footballer, and he has an excellent attitude and maturity for a young man too. He is also a big inspiration for other aspiring players at our club who can feel that there is a path from our Academy to our first team.</blockquote>
Reading chief executive Nigel Howe corroborated Gomes’ sentiments. He said:
<blockquote>Securing Andy’s services until 2022 is excellent news for Reading Football Club. He is a bright, intelligent young man who will have a fantastic future ahead of him if he keeps applying himself as he has done throughout his time at Reading.
He has risen to every challenge gallantly, and his success so far is another feather in the cap of our youth system which continues to produce top-quality talent for our senior side.</blockquote>
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.newzimbabwe.com/warriors-hopeful-rinomhota-rewarded-with-new-reading-contract/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">NewZimbabwe.com</a></h4>

Andy Rinomhota Extends Reading FC Stay to 2022

Reports indicate that English Championship Club, Reading’s striker Andy Rinomhota has chosen to play for the Warriors at international level.
The Warriors management has been courting Rinomhota for some time. The 21-year-old’s decision to represent the Warrior was revealed by former Warriors trialist Bradley Pritchard on social media site Facebook. Wrote Pritchard:
<blockquote>Once had a chat with the guy (Rinomhota); he is more than willing to represent his country (Zimbabwe). The ball is in Zifa’s court now.</blockquote>
Rinomhota was born in England to a Zimbabwean father and British mother and is one of the several England-born Zimbabweans whom Warriors coach Sunday Chidzambga wants to be part of the national team.
<img alt="" class="aligncenter wp-image-72041 size-full" decoding="async" height="400" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px" src="https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Andy-Rinomhota-controls-the-ball-away-from-Manchester-Uniteds-striker-Marcus-Rashford.jpg" srcset="https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Andy-Rinomhota-controls-the-ball-away-from-Manchester-Uniteds-striker-Marcus-Rashford.jpg 600w, https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Andy-Rinomhota-controls-the-ball-away-from-Manchester-Uniteds-striker-Marcus-Rashford-300x200.jpg 300w" width="600"/>
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<h3>More: <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/2019/01/rinomhota-chooses-warriors/" style="font-family: Raleway, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 1.5rem;">Newsday</a></h3>

Reading Striker Andy Rinomhota Choose To Represent Warriors

Tendayi Darikwa and Andy Rinomhota starred for their Championships clubs in the third round of the famous English FA Cup in games played over the weekend.
Darikwa was on the losing side when his club, Nottingham Forest clashed with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, losing 2-0. Darikwa played the entire 90 minutes.
Rinomhota’s Reading also lost to Manchester United by the same scoreline in a match played at Old Trafford.
While Darikwa was impressive for Forest in their FA Cup third round tie against Chelsea, Rinomhota was also outstanding for Reading and actually took the man-of-the-match gong despite ending the tie against the mighty Manchester United on the losing side at the Theatre of Dreams.
Speaking to the media after Saturday’s 2-0 loss, Rinomhota said:
<blockquote>I’m really happy after bagging the man-of-the-match accolade. Of course, I should be disappointed that we lost the match. We lost to a big team, an experienced side which played better than us, but we actually gave them all sorts of problems.
I would like to salute my teammates for giving their all in a largely tactical game. We can do even better going forward. Of course, we have exited the FA Cup which is a huge disappointment.</blockquote>
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