Chronicle Editor
Ricky Zililo, Senior Sports Reporter
WARRIORS’ and Bournemouth defender Jordan Zemura will know the gravity of his injury after a scan today.
Zemura limped off in the 71st minute of Bournemouth’s 2-0 win over Reading on Saturday.
The 21-year-old left-back, who has established himself as a vital cog in the Championship log leaders’ side, will be hoping to be cleared for the dead-rubber World Cup qualifiers against South Africa and Ethiopia.
Zimbabwe will travel to South Africa on November 11, before playing host to Ethiopia three days later.
Already Warriors’ captain Knowledge Musona, midfielder Marshal Munetsi and defender Teenage Hadebe have been ruled out from the World Cup qualifiers through injury.
Striker Tinotenda Kadewere just returned from injury and will also not be available for the two ties as national team interim coach Norman Mapeza feels the player needs to get game time at his French Ligue 1 side Lyon.
Wellington Mpandare, the national teams’ general manager, said they will be announcing the Warriors’ provisional squad for the two ties tomorrow.
“We’re in a kind of fix in terms of injuries, as Jordan Zemura limped off on Saturday. I’m told it’s an ankle injury and we will know his condition on Monday when he goes for a scan. We’re also monitoring other players and waiting for clubs’ responses to invitations sent out before we announce the squad on Tuesday,” said Mpandare.
Spain-based goalkeeper Martin Mapisa will not be considered for the Bafana Bafana and Ethiopia matches as he is the only goalie available at his club after others sustained injuries.
The Warriors anchor Group G with just one point from their goalless draw with Bafana Bafana in their opening match. They went on to lose away to Ethiopia and in back-to-back encounters with Ghana.
The Warriors will be using the last two qualifiers as part of preparations for the Africa Cup of Nations finals in Cameroon early next year. — @ZililoR
Online Reporter