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JOHANNESBURG. — Former Zimbabwe midfielder, Edelbert Dinha, doubts his country will struggle in Marvelous Nakamba’s absence.
The Warriors will host Bafana bafana in a 2022 World Cup qualifier at the National Sports Stadium today.
Nakamba, and his fellow UK-based Zimbabwe players, were barred from travelling to Africa, because of Britain’s Covid-19 protocols.
“Yes, we’re going to miss Nakamba, and other UK-based (players) but I think we have enough depth to soldier on without them,’’ aid Dinha.
“Our squad is balanced . . . it’s made up of experienced players, so I believe we’ll cope without these UK-based guys.’’
Jordan Zemura of Bournemouth, Plymouth Argyle’s Brendan Galloway, Macauley Bonne of Ipswich Town and Luton Town’s Admiral Muskwe are Zimbabwe’s other UK-based players who were affected by the travel restrictions.
The bulk of The Warriors squad for these two World Cup qualifiers, against South Africa and Ethiopia, are tried-and-tested troops.
Many are already on the wrong side of 30, with goalkeeper Washington Arubi (36), the oldest squad member.
Dinha argued they opted for the old guard because they are using the qualifiers to prepare for next year’s AFCON finals in Cameroon, from January 9 to February 6.
Zimbabwe have been pitted against Guinea, Senegal and Malawi in Group B.
“I saw Bafana selected a youthful squad but our situations are different. We want to use these World Cup qualifiers to get ready for AFCON.
“That’s why we picked experienced players . . . those players will be at AFCON,’’ Dinha said.
Online Reporter