Goalkeeper dilemma for Mhofu

Chipo Sabeta
Warriors’ gaffer Sunday “Mhofu” Chidzambwa is facing a goalkeeping dilemma ahead of the first Africa Cup Of Nations (AFCON) finals match against Egypt on June 21. This is a make-or-break match for Zimbabwe.

The coach is replacing talisman George Chigova who will be serving a suspension after accumulating two yellow cards during the qualifiers, one in Kinshasa against the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the second one with Congo in Brazzaville.

This leaves Chidzambwa with a choice between his known favourite Edmore Sibanda, a third-tier goalkeeper and an ever so reliable match winning Elvis Chipezeze, who is yet to find favour with the coach. As with all Zimbabwean sports, this critical decision could be a conflict of logic versus sentiment.

Sibanda’s team Witbank Spurs was relegated to ABC Motsepe League, which is a third division on the South African football league system. On fair grounds this status is far below national team standards according to observers.

However, Sibanda also showed his capacity when he featured against DRC in the 1-1 draw at the National Sports Stadium last year among other cameo appearance in the qualifiers. His experience and consistency with the national team could work for his advantage.

The big goalkeeper was between the poles at Stephen Keshi Stadium in Nigeria where they played a 0-0 goalless match against the Super Eagles last weekend before leaving for Egypt. On the other hand, Chipezeze made 26 starts in his debut season in the South African Premiership for Baroka FC.

The 29-year-old has had a fairytale rise since leaving local PSL side Chicken Inn and recently played a pivotal role guiding Bakgaga to a Telkom Knockout Cup success.

It was a surprise that he was included into the national squad as Chidzambwa had always preferred Sibanda as Chigova’s replacement — which still baffles football analysts today.

Neutrals have tipped the Baroka goal-minder to guard the Warriors goalpost but it will be a tough decision for Mhofu who naturally prefer big goalkeepers.

Chipezeze was at ease ahead of AFCON saying he will respect the pecking order and that he was happy to be part of the Warriors fold.

“I have been itching for this opportunity and I am happy to make it to Egypt. To play for your country is always a dream for most professional footballers. When it comes to their choices, I will respect the coaches’ decision. I will be there to support my colleagues and to give my best when I am selected to start,’’ said Chipezeze.

The Baroka FC goalkeeper was last month awarded with the Telkom Knockout Player of the Tournament award at the 2019 South African Premier Soccer League Awards.

Chipezeze beat his teammate Mduduzi Mdantsane and Orlando Pirates’ Thembinkosi Lorch to scoop the prize. Throughout the tourney, Chipezeze kept three clean sheets and conceded only two goals as his side went on to win the cup.

Twice, he was voted man of the match in the ABSA Premiership twice. At the recently held Cosafa tournament, Chipezeze was awarded man of the match in the semi-finals and third and fourth play-offs.

Despite his show, Chipezeze was one of the players left behind in South Africa and still needed to convince the technical department to book the ticket plane to Egypt.

On the other hand Sibanda has been proved goal-minder in the national team fold and participated in two AFCON qualifiers. Earlier this year, he was appointed Witbank Spurs assistant coach on an interim basis.

However, Witbank Spurs relegation reflected poorly on the 32-year-olds record, despite trying hard between the goals for the greater part of the season.

His future at Spurs is on the line considering that the club was not paying their salaries for the better part of this year.

Ahead of the Egypt opener, Chidzambwa’s burden of proof is overwhelming tipping towards an in-form goal keeper at a critical stage for Zimbabwe versus the usual choice.

Zimbabwe are appearing in the Nations Cup for the fourth time after rubbing shoulders with the best Africa has to offer in 2004, 2006 and 2017 and they bowed out in the first round of the prestigious tournament.

Another talking points relates to the defending department.

Chidzambwa might need to sacrifice one of his regular centre backs considering that three of the defenders are left-footed. Tendai Darikwa, Aleck Mudimu, Teenage Hadebe and Ronald Pfumbidzai have been the preferred back four.

With three of them being left-footed defenders, chances are high that Zambia-based defender Jimmy Dzidzai may partner Hadebe or Mudimu at the heart of defence.