adminSikhumbuzo Moyo, Senior Sports Reporter
THE Zimbabwe Under-20 Cosafa Championship squad troops into camp in Harare today as preparations for next month’s tournament begin in earnest.
The PPC bankrolled tournament, making a return since 2013, will be held from December 7-16 at the Mogwase and Moruleng Stadiums in South Africa.
Coach Mandla Mpofu last week called up a 38 member squad that will be trimmed down to 20 as camp dates progress.
The squad dominated by Harare City players will be headlined by Highlanders’ young striker Prince Dube.
“The team will go into camp on today and stay there up until departure for the championships,” said Zifa communications manager Xolisani Gwesela.
Coaches Mpofu and his right hand man Biggie Zuze will be expected to have an eagle’s eye on the boys during camp and come up with a balanced and strong squad, ahead of departure, tentatively set for December 5.
Zimbabwe will be hoping to bring the cup home, having last won it in 2007, beating hosts South Africa 3-0.
“We must be having 25 players by Tuesday. The final list of 20 must be submitted to the organisers on December 2,” said coach Mpofu.
Provisional squad
Goalkeepers: Elisha Nechiturike(ZPC Kariba), Nelson Chadya (Ngezi Platinum), Prince Phiri (How Mine), Kelvin Shangiwa (Harare City)
Defenders: Last Kapuya (Diambas FC, SA), Derwin Phiri (Triangle), Angel Dexter(Harare City), Bukhosi Ncube (Highlanders), Prince Motsi (DZ Academy), Kuzivakwashe Madina (Catholic Saint), Simbarashe Chimanikire (Catholic Saint), Tatenda Mchisi (Ngezi Platinum) Shepherd Maradzamunda(Chapungu), Frederick Dzeka(Gutu)
Midfielders: Learnmore Munyambo(Harare City), Patrick Musaka (Black Leopards, SA), Brave Sibanda(Chapungu), Denzil Khumalo (Bantu Rovers), Amos Ncube(Chicken Inn), Bukhosi Sibanda( Bantu Rovers) Leeroy Mavunga(Yadah), Munyaradzi Chitambwe(Bantu Rovers), Raynold Mate(FC Platinum), Donnet Ndlovu (Highlanders) Hughe Chikosa(Border Strikers), Bright Majamanda( Mutare City) Brighton Mhungu (Friendly Academy)
Strikers: Prince Dube (Highlanders) Thomas Kadyaridzire(Chicken Inn), Jerry Chipangura (Harare City) Nqobile Ndlovu (How Mine) Blessing Sibanda (Tsholotsho) Knowledge Ndlovu(FC National Mbare), Ishmael Mushekwi (Caps United), Tatenda Tumba(Harare City), Clive Rupiya(Sprouting), King Nasama(Dynamos), Frederick Muza(Mutare City)
Technical: Mandla Mpofu (Head coach), Biggie Zuze (Assistant Coach), Laban Kandi (Goalkeepers’ coach), Patrick Mutesva (Team manager), Cassidy Banda (Kit manager), Sam Chaurura (Physiotherapist),
Participating Countries
Angola, Botswana, Comoros, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Lesotho, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Seychelles, South Africa, Swaziland, Zambia, Zimbabwe
Groups
Group A GroupB GroupC GroupD
South Africa Zimbabwe Angola Mozambique
Lesotho Zambia Sudan Comoros
Swaziland Malawi Seychelles DRC
Botswana Mauritius
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