Alex Ndhlovu
Warriors interim coach Norman Mapeza has named his provisional squad for the upcoming World qualifying match against Ghana.
Zimbabwe face Ghana in Accra on October 9 with the reverse fixture set for Harare four days later.
Like his predecessor Zdravko Logarusic, Mapeza’s squad is dominated by foreign players with only two locals from FC Platinum which Mapeza also coaches.
Local football resumed this week after a lengthy Covid-19-forced absence, save for FC Platinum who have been playing in the CAF Champions League.
Tanzania based left back Bruce Kangwa and Midfielder Never Tigere have returned to the Warriors fold after a long absence.
Meanwhile, the FC Platinum duo of Rahman Kutsanzira and Kelvin Madzongwe has also been drafted into the squad.
ZIFA are optimistic that England-based players will be available for the first of the two fixtures since Ghana is not on Britain’s coronavirus red list.
Europe-based players will jet into Ghana straight from their bases on October 4 and return to their clubs just after the match.
ZIFA, who are likely to field two different squads in four days, were hoping that home fans would boost team morale during the Harare fixture but their request has since been rejected by CAF.
“Our request to have supporters at the National Sports Stadium during the Warriors’ FIFA World Cup 2022 qualifier vs Ghana on 12 October was rejected by CAF.
CAF said our stadium needs to be upgraded to meet required medical, safety & security standards,” ZIFA spokesperson Xolisani Gwesela said.
Warriors Squad:
Goalkeepers: Martin Mapisa (Zamora CF) Talbert Shumba (Free State Stars) Washington Arubi (Marumo Gallants)
Defenders: Alec Mudimu (Torpedo Kutaisi), Brendan Galloway (Pymouth Aygle ) Bruce Kangwa (Azam FC), Jordan Zemura (AFC Bournemouth), Onismor Bhasera (SuperSport United), Rahman
Kutsanzira (FC Platinum), Teenage Hadebe (Houston Dynamo) Tendayi Darikwa (Wigan)
Midfielders: Blessing Sarupinda (Sekhukhune), Farai Madhanaga (Marumo Gallants), Kelvin
Madzongwe (FC Platinum), Khama Billiat (Kaizer Chiefs), Kuda Mahachi (SuperSport),Marshall Munetsi (Stade de Reims) Never Tigere (Azam) Marvellous Nakamba, (Aston Villa), Perfect Chikwende (Simba FC) Thabani Kamusoko (Zesco).
Strikers: Knowledge Musona (Al Tai), Knox Mutizwa (Golden Arrows), Terrence Dzvukamanja (Orlando Pirates).
Recent Comments