We Will Work With What We Have, Says Warriors Manager
The Warriors technical team was forced to make wholesale changes to their squad after 10 players, included in the initial call-up, withdrew from the squad, for various reasons.
Warriors’ team manager, Wellington Mpandare, yesterday said they have roped in Knox Mutizwa, Edwin Madhananga and Ishmael Wadi, who recently moved to Division One side JDR Stars.
He also revealed that they have also called up Kelvin Moyo from Zambia, and three local players, including Godknows Murwira (Dynamos) and the FC Platinum duo of Silas Songani and William Stima, to make a 26-man squad. Said Mpandare:
It’s certainly a big setback we couldn’t get our foreign-based players but we, obviously, will look to work with what we have at our disposal.
Some new players have been called in and camp will begin tomorrow (today) as scheduled.
Most of the players are on the way and, so far, Terrence Dzvukamanja has landed. We are expecting Talbert Shumba later in the day but the majority, including captain Knowledge Musona, are coming in tomorrow (today).
Zimbabwe dropped some of their key players like Marvelous Nakamba, who plays for English Premiership side Aston Villa, Tendayi Darikwa (Wigan) and Jordan Zemura of AFC Bournemouth.
United States-based defender Teenage Hadebe was also not able to report for duty, after his club Houston Dynamo, could not clear him for the upcoming assignments.
The Warriors host South Africa at the National Sports Stadium on Friday, before leaving for Ethiopia, where they face the Walya Antelopes, four days later.
Warriors squad
Goalkeepers: Washington Arubi, Talbert Shumba, Martin Mapisa
Defenders: Onismor Bhasera, Divine Lunga, Takudzwa Chimwemwe, Alec Mudimu, Godknows Murwira, Kevin Moyo, William Sitima
Midfielders: Blessing Sarupinda, Jona Fabisch, Marshall Munetsi, Tafadzwa Rusike, Thabani Kamusoko, Kudakwashe Mahachi, Khama Billiat, Perfect Chikwende, Butholezwe Ncube, Ishmael Wadi, Farai Madhanaga, Silas Songani
Strikers: Terrence Dzvukamanja, Tinotenda Kadewere, Knox Mutizwa, Knowledge Musona (captain).