In Marrakech
Amidst the high-stakes drama of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, one of Zimbabwe’s brightest emerging talents, Jonah Fabisch, has opened up about the emotional journey of his first major tournament and the deep-seated family ties that led him to don the gold and green of the Warriors.
In an exclusive sit-down with Nation Sport, the 24-year-old midfielder reflected on a campaign defined by ‘what ifs’ and a profound sense of pride in continuing a legendary family legacy.
Zimbabwe’s tournament was a rollercoaster of narrow margins. After a heartbreaking 2-1 loss to Egypt, secured only by a late Mohamed Salah strike, and a gritty 1-1 draw with Angola, the Warriors fought valiantly but ultimately fell short of the knock-out rounds.
Jonah Fabisch of Zimbabwe warms up before the Africa Cup of Nations match against South Africa at Marrakech Stadium in Morocco on December 29, 2025.
“Obviously, that was our goal from the beginning,” said Fabisch. “We wanted to beat every team we came across. We went into matches with high focus and always had chances to stay in the game.”
Despite the exit, Fabisch remains pragmatic about the team’s performance.
“We scored against every team, which is positive. But maybe we conceded some goals too easily. It wasn’t for lack of effort. We worked really hard in training and played with courage. It just wasn’t enough. That’s part of football.”
Born in Nairobi to the late legendary German coach Reinhard Fabisch and a Zimbabwean mother, national hurdles record-holder Chawada Kachidza, Fabisch had his pick of international futures.
Having featured for German youth teams, the Erzgebirge Aue midfielder admitted the choice eventually became an easy one.
“I grew up mostly with my mom and am very close to my family in Zimbabwe,” he explained. “My dad obviously had that deep connection to the national team as a coach. At a young age, it was clear that playing for Zimbabwe was my goal.”
Jonah Fabisch, son of former Harambee Stars coach Reinhard Fabisch, is with Zimbabwe at the 2025 Afcon in Morocco.
While he acknowledged that his time in the German youth setup was ‘special,’ his final decision was guided by something more instinctual.
Fabisch represents a new wave of talent for the Zimbabwe national team. Looking back on his Afcon debut, he sees the tournament not as a failure but as a foundation.
“For me, it was my first Afcon. I was very proud to be here and get the opportunity. You don’t want to waste it,” he said. “A lot of players who got the experience this time now know what it takes. I’m very positive about the future.”
“We didn’t come here just to soak in the atmosphere or play three games. We’re disappointed. But those chances to play these kinds of tournaments don’t come often. We definitely want to get here again and give it another shot.”
As the Warriors look to the future, the ‘Fabisch’ name, once synonymous with the tactical brilliance of the father, is now being redefined by the composure and heart of the son.
