Chidzambwa wants his own men

Langton Nyakwenda

AFTER inheriting a squad largely assembled by his predecessor Saul Chaminuka, seasoned gaffer Sunday Chidzambwa is recruiting his own soldiers ahead of the forthcoming Premier Soccer League season.

The former Warriors mentor says the drive that has seen the club sign nearly a full team is a renewal project.

Wisdom Mutasa (AYSA), Talent Chawapiwa, Timire Mamvura, Osborne Mukuradare (Harare City), Godknows Mangani, Takudzwa Mahori (Caps United), Lincoln Zvasiya (unattached)Never Tigere (Dongo Sawmill), Munyaradzi Kunyarimwe (FC Platinum) and Young Warriors reserve goalkeeper Takabva Mawaya (Hwange) are some of the new arrivals at ZPC Kariba.

Former Gunners and Gaborone United midfielder Elvis Meleka is also at Nyamhunga Stadium, while unheralded 20-year-old central defender Mario Samson has come through from Division One side and neighbours Lake Harvest.

Samson has Chidzambwa excited.

“Mario is one for the future I tell you. A number of Premiership teams were after him but we were quicker. Watch this space! Zvasiya is not finished yet; from my discussions with him I think he has reformed. He still has a lot to offer, the boy is still young…

“I think he can play for the Warriors once again and still go back to Europe where I think he belongs,” said a confident Chidzambwa before leading a fitness session at Nyamhunga last Tuesday.

Zvasiya, who turns 25 on February 25, was offloaded by Harare City mid-last year amid allegations of drug abuse.

Chidzambwa’s renewal project has claimed the scalps of veterans George Magariro and Pride Tafirenyika; while the likes of ‘keeper Liberty Chirava and Russel Madamombe have also departed.

Utility player Thomas Magorimbo left after his contract expired and is reportedly training with Ngezi Platinum.

Winger Tsepo Ranthokoane has joined How Mine.

Despite losing 2014 Soccer Star of the Year Dennis Dauda and Raphael Manuvire to Caps United and Harare City respectively, Chidzambwa remains upbeat.

“We have made some astute signings and on paper I think I will have a more competent squad than the group I had last year.

The emphasis is more on youthful players, yes we still have the veterans but we want an optimum mixture of experience and youths.

“The community here is expecting a lot, even nationally I know people are also looking at us, so the expectations are quiet high but we have to manage them.

“We do not want to talk much before the season kicks off but what I am sure of is that ZPC Kariba will not fight relegation again,” declared Chidzambwa.

Limited Chikafa, Tawanda “Rambo” Munyanduri, Tawanda Nyamandwe, Thomas Sweswe, Stephen Appiah, Dexter Phiri and skipper Tendai Hove are some of the veterans still with Kariba.

On the bench, Chidzambwa has retained Partson Ndabambi and Oliver Matawa as first and second assistant coaches respectively.

Former Warriors and Caps United goalkeepers’ coach Brenna Msiska joined last week.