Chronicle Editor
Sports Reporter
MARTIN Mapisa, the talented goalkeeper from Dynamos, has catapulted into contention to become Zimbabwe’s future first-choice goalkeeper for the Warriors.
The goalkeeper has been included in the squad to do duty against Kenya and Cameroon in Afcon Qualifiers next week.
Mapisa’s inclusion signals a potential transition in the national team’s goalkeeping department, as Washington Arubi’s tenure draws to a close.
Arubi who was re-introduced back to the Warriors fray after years of absence has brought the much-needed stability in the Warriors goalkeeping department since the arrival of coach Michael Nees.
He has only conceded once in four games.
Mapisa faces stiff competition from Marley Tavaziva who plays for Brentford in Europe for the number one jersey.
Mapisa’s journey to the national team has been unconventional.
After six years in Spain’s lower leagues, Mapisa surprisingly returned home to join Dynamos, turning down European clubs.
The Aces Youth Soccer Academy graduate had played for various Spanish lower-league teams, including Velez, Barrio NS Remedios, Zamora, Llanera, and Malaga City.
Mapisa’s decision to join Dynamos paid off, as he has performed well and caught the attention of national team coaches.
The Zimbabwe Football Association has confirmed the details of the Warriors’ preparations.
The national team will face Kenya at Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane, South Africa, on Friday, November 15, at 6pm CAT.
The 23 selected players will begin camp in Polokwane on Sunday, November 10.
Those based outside South Africa will fly directly to Polokwane to join the locally-based players.
The team shifted their base from Johannesburg to Polokwane due to booking congestion and difficulty securing high-standard training facilities.
Goalkeepers:
Washington Arubi (Marumo Gallants), Marley Tavaziva (Brentford), Martin Mapisa (Dynamos).
Defenders:
Divine Lunga (Mamelodi Sundowns), Gerald Takwara (Al Minaa SC), Munashe Garananga (FC Copenhagen), Godknows Murwira (Caps United), Emmanuel Jalai (Dynamos), Teenage Hadebe (FC Cincinnati), Jordan Zemura (Udinese).
Midfielders:
Marvelous Nakamba (Luton Town), Marshall Munetsi (Stade de Reims), Andy Rinomhota (Cardiff City), Richard Hachiro (Ngezi Platinum).
Forwards:
Tinotenda Kadewere (FC Nantes), Khama Billiat (Yadah FC), Tymon Machope (Simba Bhora), Prince Dube (Young Africans), Terrence Dzvukamanja (Supersport United), Tawanda Maswanhise (Motherwell), Daniel Msendami (Marumo Gallants), Walter Musona (Simba Bhora), Douglas Mapfumo (Polokwane City).
Online Reporter
derick.khumalo