adminFungai Munyoro
MUTARE Premiership side Buffaloes’ forward Admire Dzumbunu has been called for the national Under-23 camp ahead of Sunday’s crunch All Africa Games qualifier against Cameroon.
Dzumbunu, who is affectionately nicknamed Yaya after Manchester City and Cote d’Ivoire defensive linkman Yaya Toure, joined the team on Tuesday as the Young Warriors face Cameroon in the All Africa Games Qualifiers first leg.
National U23 gaffer Calisto ‘Manabundu’ Pasuwa confirmed the development.
“Yes, I called the player and he is one of the good strikers in the domestic league, but he has to prove it. In actual fact, he was supposed to have joined camp with the other players; so, we will try and give him time and see how it goes.
“We are still trying to build a team and we have faced a lot of challenges in our preparations as some clubs did not release their players to join camp.
“How Mine could not release their goalkeeper Donovan Bernard and told us that the young man was injured but surprisingly he featured in their recent match and FC Platinum did the same,” said the former DeMbare coach.
Despite poor preparations, Pasuwa is optimistic of good results
“We need nothing but a win. Yes, we did not have adequate preparations, but results have to be produced and I am working with the team I have and know we will make it so that the nation will celebrate at the end of it all,” said Pasuwa.
Meanwhile, Dzumbunu made no secret of his intentions to impress the Young Warriors gaffer.
The youthful player also made no secret of his anger following his failed move to CAPS United.
“I am hurt that I was not allowed to move and join CAPS United. I believe the executive must give us an opportunity to prove ourselves at these big clubs. As players we have dreams to fulfill and they should be aware of that,” said the 21 year old star.
Last year when the team was under the tutelage of Luke ‘Vahombe’ Masomere, Dzumbunu was on the verge of joining Bulawayo outfit Chicken Inn but the deal collapsed as he could not be cleared by the Mutare army side.
“This is not the first time. Last year the same thing happened and I ended up having a bitter relationship with Luke Masomere.This time around Moses Chunga had to suspend me and told me not to pitch up for training close to a month simply because of the same issues,” said Yaya.
The former Twalumba FC striker however revealed that he has put the disappointment behind his back and his focus now is play for Buffaloes.
“My time will come and at the moment I have to work hard to improve my level of play because if I don’t work hard I will be destroying my future. Being called for national duty is something that I was longing for. At least I have something to smile at. It is every player’s dream to play for the national team and I thank coach Pasuwa for giving me such an opportunity,” said the Bulawayo-born star.
Online Reporter