Online Reporter
Bruce Chikuni
Sports Reporter
IS Michael Nees still seething from being labelled a ‘CLOWN’ by Lloyd Chitembwe that he has shut the door on the CAPS United stars when it comes to the drafts for national team assignments?
In October last year, Chitembwe launched a stunning verbal attack on Nees after the coach barred Godknows Murwira from playing in the Harare Derby, which CAPS United won 2-1.
DeMbare’s Emmanuel Jalai was also blocked from featuring in the match while goalkeeper Martin Mapisa got the greenlight despite being in the Warriors’ squad.
This angered Chitembwe who described Nees as a “CLOWN.”
Even though Chitembwe has since left his role as CAPS United coach, it appears the stand-off between Nees and the Green Machine is not over.
Yesterday, Nees named two squads for the COSAFA Cup and international friendly matches next month but not even ONE player from CAPS United was named in the squads.
Admittedly, CAPS United are struggling after a horror start to the championship race, which cost Chitembwe his job, and some analysts will argue that none of their players deserve a slot in the national teams.
However, the Green Machine’s biggest rivals, Dynamos, are also struggling, which cost Lloyd “MaBlanyo” Chigowe his job, but the Glamour Boys have two players who have been drafted into the squads.
Jalai deserves his place as he is a regular in the Warriors who play in the AFCON and World Cup qualifiers.
Nees has also drafted a second DeMbare player, Vusa Ngwenya, for the COSAFA Cup assignments.
CAPS United midfielder Kundai Benyu, who has slowly been adjusting to playing in the domestic Premiership, has caught the eye despite his club’s struggles.
Benyu scored probably the Goal of the Season in the Harare Derby and sources say he returned home to try and play regular football and force his way back into the Warriors.
After all, even Donald Mudadi has made it into the main Warriors squad.
A place for Junior Bunjira in the COSAFA Cup squad, which consists of Under-23 players, would not have raised any eyebrows.
When Nees was asked about the exclusion of Benyu and Shandirwa, he looked sideways as he mumbled, leaving assistant coach Takesure Chiragwi to respond.
“I think that is always the case when the squad is released, but I don’t think that is the end of the road for everyone who was not picked.
“They need to keep working hard. Next time might be their turn, and people will still ask why this player is not in the team,” said Chiragwi.
COSAFA CUP Squad
Goalkeepers-Martin Mapisa (MWOS), Joseph Kaunda(Manica Diamonds), Tatenda Chikohwero (Ngezi Platinum)
Defenders-Tashinga Mashonganyika (Ngezi Platinum), Allan Chapinduka (TelOne), Simbarashe Takaedza(TelOne), Arter Kaseke (Ngezi Platinum), Kurainashe Musanhi (Crystal Palace)
Midfielders-Prosper Padera (SJK Seinajoki, Finland), Menzi Mazwi (Birmingham City, England), Vusa Ngwenya (Dynamos), Junior Makunike (Simba Bhora), Nisbert Muzenda (Ngezi Platinum), Prince Ndlovu (Highlanders), Kennedy Mupomba (Chelmsford FC, England), Calvin Chigara (TelOne FC)
Forwards-Tinotenda Meke (Simba Bhora)
Mafios Chiweta (Highlanders), Tanaka Munemo (Ngezi Platinum), Thando Ngwenya (FC Platinum), Tanaka Cherera (Bury FC, England), Denzel Mapuwa (Green Fuel)
Warriors Squad for back to back friendlies in Morocco
Goalkeepers -Washington Arubi, Elvis Chipezeze, Marley Tavaziva
Defenders– Teenage Hadebe, Gerald Takwara, Munashe Garan’anga, Isheanesu Mauchi, Peter Muduhwa, Godknows Murwira,Emmanuel Jalai.
Midfielders-Mthokozisi Msebe, Khama Billiat, Richard Hachiro,Jonah Fabisch, Donald Mudadi, Sean Fusire (Sheffield Wednesday) Daniel Msendami, Bill Antonio.
Forwards-Prince Dube , Tawanda Maswanhise, Walter Musona, Tawanda Macheke, Tino Kadewere.
