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Langton Nyakwenda
FORMER Zimbabwe number one goalie, George Chigova, is set to bounce back into the Warriors setup when Zdravko “Loga” Logarusic announces the squad for back to back African Cup of Nations qualifiers against Algeria “anytime soon.”
The Warriors are expected to play the Desert Foxes in Blida on March 26 while the return leg will be played at Orlando Stadium in South Africa three days later as all of Zimbabwe’s stadiums have been banned from hosting international matches.
There are also strong chances the first leg could be moved from Blida because of the corona virus cases that have been recorded in that part of Algeria.
The coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, which has since been upgraded to pandemic status by the World Health Organisation, has forced Logarusic to delay announcing the squad as there are fears a number of European based players like Marvelous Nakamba (Aston Villa) and Tino Kadewere (Le Havre), might not be released by their clubs.
Logarusic is also expected to include Charlton Athletic striker, Macauley Bonne who is now eleligble to play for Zimbabwe after recently acquiring a local passport.
“The coach will announce the squad for the AFCON ties anytime soon. The ZIFA office is just making a few confirmations before announcing because of the COVID-19 issue.
“That is the major reason for the delay. There is need to get assurance that players in Europe will be released before going public,” the source said.
However, it is Chigova’s likely return to the Warriors fold that could be another talking point when Logarusic finally names his squad for the AFCON ties.
Chigova was the Warriors first choice at the 2021 AFCON finals in Egypt but fell out of favour with the national association after he was accused of being one of the ring leaders of a player mutiny that marred Zimbabwe’s campaign at the tournament.
He was replaced by Baroka FC keeper, Elvis Chipezeze, who has so far featured in Zimbabwe’s 2021 AFCON qualifiers against Botswana and Zambia.
The giant goalie, who celebrated his 29th birthday on March 4, has made 16 appearances for ABSA Premiership side Polokwane City and has had an on and off season for the relegation threatened side.
Warriors coach Logarusic is also expected to include Kundai Benyu, the overrated former Celtic midfielder who hasn’t played this season, as well as striker Charlton Mashumba who has had a decent outing for Polokwane so far.
The 27-year-old Mashumba has scored six goals in 20 appearances for the Rise and Shine.
He was part of the Warriors COSAFA Cup squad in 2016 and has played for the national Under-17 and Under-20 sides.
Zimbabwe are aiming to dethrone Algeria from the top of Group H as the race for the 2021 finals heats up.
Algeria have 6 points from two matches while Zimbabwe are two points behind.
Botswana are third with one point while Zambia anchor Group H with no point.
Online Reporter