Kaseke fails to join Warriors

The Omonia hard man, who had been selected for the crunch Africa Cup of Nations first qualifier against Burundi set for Wednesday, confirmed yesterday that he would not be travelling for the game. He said with no direct communication between his club and Zifa he could not leave Nicosia for Africa.
He was devastated by the latest developments saying after a long wait for another national team call-up, he had been looking forward to giving his best for his country and former club coach.
“I wanted to come to Burundi and play for my country. It is always an honour to don those colours, but I am hurt because there were complications with my invite. Honestly Zifa ought to have done better,” said Kaseke.
Nyika Chifamba, who replaced the able Sharrif Mussa, was in charge of communication and bookings but seems to have come short here and there.
“When my invite did not come within the 14 days required, I spoke to the team manager who said he was having problems with getting through to my club. He then sent one directly to me which I forwarded to the club.
“On Friday the club checked with the travel agent and there was no ticket and travel schedule for my trip. This created an impression that I was coming to Africa on my own business and the letter from Chifamba was just a gimmick.
“I phoned Zifa several times and each instance I was given assurances that they would get in touch with the club over my release but nothing came my way. Faced with a situation where no letter or call was made to Omonia despite the ticket being available on Saturday I could not leave Cyprus,” said Kaseke.
The former Bosso rightback, who cut his footballing teeth at Marist Brothers while playing for the school and Chaminuka House, said he was a professional footballer employed by Omonia. Part of the contract says he is available for his country if the request is made in two weeks time. This time around Zifa had tried to communicate within 10 days and the club had given him the go-ahead anticipating formal communication before he left.
The Warriors were expected in Burundi late yesterday.
Kaseke’s absence has robbed the Warriors of depth, defence and attack options as he is a versatile player who can play on the flanks, central defence and midfield.
The news comes a day after another player, Dickson Choto, withdrew from the team.
Coach Gumbo will have to choose from Tapiwa Khumbuyani, Godfrey Moyo, Arnold Chaka, Onisimo Bhasera and Vusa Nyoni for his starting back four.
Khumbuyani is now set to start at right back with Bhasera on the left and the untried duo of Chaka and Moyo at the centre.
Either Bhasera or Nyoni could find himself playing wide in midfield where competition for places is between Tinashe Nengomasha, Esrom Nyandoro, Denver Mukamba, Charles Sibanda and Archieford Gutu.
In attack, Mandlenkosi Sibanda, Terrence Mandaza, Musa Mguni and Abbas Amidu will be in the hunt for starting places.
LaChelle Travel and Tours came to Zifa’s rescue, donating air tickets valued at $106 000 on Saturday.
Gumbo is assisted in the technical team by David Mandigora, Richard Tswatswa and Under-23 coach Peter Ndlovu.
The Warriors want nothing other than victory in Burundi as to strengthen their bid to be at next year’s Africa Cup of Nations finals in South Africa.
The team
T Kapini, M Jani, T Khumbuyani, G Moyo, A Chaka, O Bhasera, V Nyoni, T Nengomasha, E Nyandoro, D Mukamba, A Gutu, C Sibanda, K Musona, M Mguni, A Amidu, M Sibanda, T Mandaza.