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Sikhumbuzo Moyo Senior Sports Reporter
THE Warriors’ preparations for the international friendly match against Mozambique appeared in shambles yesterday with their opponents failing to arrive in Bulawayo.
Despite assurances from Zifa on Wednesday that the Mambas would touch down at midday yesterday, there was no sign of the Mambas at Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo International Airport.
Zifa said they had since been told that the 120th ranked team in the world was now set to arrive this afternoon aboard the same plane.
“They told us late today (yesterday) that they are now arriving tomorrow (today),” said the Zifa communications manager Xolisani Gwesela.
He said there was little that they could do as Zifa about the last minute change of plans by the Mozambicans.
Meanwhile, the Warriors’ first training session in Bulawayo failed to materialise with players saying they were now confused as to where exactly they would camp.
Some Bulawayo-based players travelled to Harare while others remained behind.
“We expect the full squad to be in Bulawayo this evening in time to have their first training session tomorrow morning,” said Gwesela.
Head coach Ian Gorowa had indicated that he would have his first session yesterday.
The Mozambique friendly will be used by the Warriors gaffer Gorowa as part of preparations for the African Nations Championships that will be hosted in three South African cities from January 11 to February 1 next year.
Zimbabwe will be in Group B with Uganda, Burkina Faso and Morocco with Athlone Stadium in Cape Town as their base.
After the Sunday match, the Warriors are likely to play two more friendlies against Libya and Gabon before going full time into camp.
Meanwhile, in an effort to draw spectators to Barbourfields Stadium, Zifa have pegged entry fees at $2 for the rest of the ground, $5 wings and $10 VIP.
“The Bulawayo public must come in full force to rally behind the national team. We know they have not been enjoying the privilege of watching their national team but this is a start, more games are coming Bulawayo’s way,” said Gwesela.
Gorowa has already said that he wants all the qualifying matches for the 2015 African Nations Cup to be staged at Barbourfields Stadium.
The Warriors
Munyaradzi Diya (Highlanders), George Chigova (Dynamos), Wonder Kapinda (Black Rhinos), Hardlife Zvirekwi (Caps United), Themba Ndlovu (Buffaloes), Gerald Ndlovu (Hwange), Felix Chindungwe (Chicken Inn), Milton Ncube (Highlanders), Nqobizitha Khumalo (Bantu Rovers), Convenience Hungwe (Black Mambas), Dan Phiri (Chicken Inn), Pascal Manhanga (Triangle), Nkosana Siwela (Hwange), Warren Dube (How Mine), Silas Songani (Harare City), Lot Chiwunga (Black Rhinos), Kuda Mahachi (Chicken Inn), Ali Sadiki (FC Platinum), Bruce Kangwa (Highlanders), Misheck Mburayi (Triangle), Simba Sithole (Dynamos), Simba Sithole (How Mine)
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