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Newly appointed Warriors’ substantive coach, Gumbo, named a 24 member squad that will face African Champions Zambia in an international friendly at the newly built Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola, Zambia, on 8 August.
The new technical team will also take charge of the Four Nation tournament in Uganda which will give coaches ample time to assemble a strong team to face Angola in September in the final qualifying round for the Nations Cup which will be held in South Africa next year.
The squad has three of Mapuranga’s teammates; goalkeeper Ariel Sibanda, left back Bruce Kangwa and midfielder Peter Moyo.
Other new faces in the squad include Chicken Inn midfielder Danny Phiri as well as Bufalloes’ Prosper Matizanadzo.
“To me, this call up is a fulfilment of my motto that God’s time is the best time.
“It was coming and had to come one day as I believe I have put in everything in all my games that I have played for Highlanders,” said the 33-year-old Mapuranga.
He said he was well aware that the call-up was not an automatic inclusion into the starting line-up and hence will give it his all to be among the first 11 when they take on neighbours Zambia.
Mapuranga’s constant snub by national team coaches saw many a soccer fan asking what criteria was used to call players to the national team.
Save for the Quelaton match in which he came in as a substitute, Mapuranga had started in all Highlanders matches since joining the team in July 2009.
His coach Kelvin Kaindu also believes the skipper’s national recognition has been long overdue and thoroughly deserved.
“It’s good for Mapuranga and Highlanders. He has been outstanding in defence and it’s the right time for him to be there, we thank God for that.
“Bruce has also been outstanding in his role and certainly deserves to be there too,” said Kaindu.
Moyo was part of the squad that played in a Three Nation Invitational tournament in Botswana last month.
Warriors Squad
Goalkeepers: Ariel Sibanda, George Chigova, Francis Tizai, Marlon Jani
Defenders: Passmore Bernard, Godfrey Moyo, Partson Jaure, Arnold Chaka, Innocent Mapuranga, Khumbulani Banda, Blessing Zabula, Bruce Kangwa
Midfielders: Brian Mapfumo, Denver Mukamba, Danny Phiri, Peter Moyo, Ronald Chitiyo, Mandla Sibanda, Prosper Matizanadzo
Strikers: Nelson Mazivisa, Rodwell Chinyengetere, Rahman Kutsanzira, Charles Sibanda, Francisco Zvikumbawire
Online Reporter