Online Reporter
Bruce Chikuni
Sports Reporter
FORMER Warriors and Kaizer Chiefs captain Willard Katsande has reminded local players who were drafted in the COSAFA Cup team that South African clubs will be keeping a close eye on them.
The Warriors contingent arrived in Mzansi yesterday where they will participate in the regional competition which will run from tomorrow to June 14.
Zimbabwe senior team coach, Micheal Nees, picked what appears to be a Under-23 team.
Orlando Pirates developmental coach, Simon Marange, who is also the Under-20 team coach, will be in charge of this ship.
Highlanders defender, Andrew Mbaba, has been entrusted with the captain’s armband.
Nees landed in Casablanca, Morocco, yesterday where the Warriors’ senior squad are expected to play Burkina Faso on Friday, followed by a fixture against Niger four days later.
The COSAFA Cup is being played in Bloemfontein at the Free State Stadium and Dr Petrus Molemela Stadium.
Zimbabwe were drawn in Group A where they will meet South Africa, Mozambique and Mauritius.
Katsande feels the youngsters, who were selected for this tournament, can also use the same opportunity to force their way in the squad which will travel to AFCON finals in Morocco this December.
Katsande is based in South Africa where he established his clothing label, Boss YaMboka, and football project, Kitoko School.
“It is a good opportunity for those who are available for this big tournament, many stars were born from this competition and it could be their turn to be counted,” said Katsande.
“These are the opportunities that come once-in-a-life-time, and representing the country is always something you need to respect at all times.
“They need to step up and show South African clubs that it will be a bad idea to let them return home.
“The good thing is that South African top-flight football is now on a off-season break, this will give all clubs a chance to have a look at these youngsters.
“They know that Zimbabwe has special talent and it is up to the boys to prove what they can do.”
Bafana Bafana are coming into this tournament with a senior side, which consists of players who are knocking the door on coach Hugo Broos’ senior team.
They are using this tournament to assess players who have the potential to replace those who have already established themselves in Broos’s team.
Their Under-20 side have been rested having won the AFCON last month.
Mathew Masinge