Online Reporter
Eddie Chikamhi
Zimpapers Sports Hub
ZIFA have moved the preparations for the Unity Cup a gear up after announcing a largely foreign-based squad boosted by the long-awaited return of vice-captain Marshall Munetsi and a number of professionals that missed national team duty lately due to various reasons.
Munetsi, who has not been called to the national team squad since last year following a public fallout with previous coach Marian Mario Marinica, was the key highlight of the squad that will represent Zimbabwe at the four-team tournament in London from May 26-30.
Also returning into the fold is Tino Kadewere, Jordan Zemura, Tawanda Chirewa, Jordan Zemura and Scotland-based hot shot Tawanda Maswanhise.
The squad will be under the tutelage of Kaitano Tembo who was recently elevated to the post of head coach following the sudden resignation of Marinica.
There are also notable omissions, including US-based defender Teenage Hadebe and the veteran Scottland duo of Walter Musona and Godknows Murwira.
But their teammate Aboubacar Moffat received his first national team call after impressing since he returned home mid-season last year from a long stint in the lower divisions of Spanish football.
ZPC Kariba goalkeeper Future Sibanda and Highlanders’ star Mongameli Tshuma are also in the squad.
ZIFA yesterday did not explain the selection in a brief statement. But Tembo, in his first interview following his appointment, indicated that he will open the doors to the best players available.
“We have a good mix of talent. There is quality in the local league, strong players based in South Africa, and others playing in the UK and beyond.
“Our task is to bring them together, build unity and create a team that plays with purpose and pride,” said Tembo.
“When players come into the national team, it is about representing the nation. We need to work together, support each other and give everything on the pitch. That spirit is what defines the Warriors.”
The Unity Cup tournament is scheduled to take place at The Valley, the home of Charlton Athletic in London, at the end of the month.
Zimbabwe will play West African giants Nigeria, who are the defending champions, on May 26. Jamaica will face India in the second semi-final the following day. This will be followed by a third-place play-off on May 29 and the final on May 30.
“We are approaching it with seriousness and ambition,” Tembo said.
“Playing against strong opposition like Nigeria, as well as Jamaica and India, provides a good test for the team. These are the kind of high-quality matches that help players grow and give us a clear picture of where we are.
“Nigeria is a top side with quality players, so we respect them. But at the same time, we believe in our squad. Preparation will be key — organisation, discipline and making sure the players understand their roles. It’s an opportunity for us to compete and showcase our strength,” said Tembo.
Nigeria are expected to field a refreshed squad featuring mostly the fringe and experimental players. The Nigeria Football Federation General Secretary, Mohammed Sanusi, said the selection will largely feature players from the domestic league, alongside eligible players born in the diaspora.
He also noted that established senior stars, including Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, Wilfred Ndidi and Calvin Bassey, will not be part of the squad for the Unity Cup.
“The essence of the Unity Cup every year is to make sure that we come together as a Nigerian team along-side the teams that will play in that tournament and, of course, to look for players that will make up the Nigerian team.
“Having said this, what we expect is to see players of Nigerian extraction, whether you are playing in Nigeria or outside Nigeria, for that competition.
“In Nigeria, if you are looking for talent, you discover one, yet there are many others undiscovered.
“So, we have so many Nigerians born abroad that will take part in the Unity Cup.
“It’s likely that you will see home-based players, players that are playing in Nigeria alongside those that haven’t been called before for that competition.
“You aren’t likely to see the likes of Osimhen and the rest of them.”
Meanwhile, Super Eagles manager Eric Chelle has already begun scouting activities ahead of the competition.
Reports indicate that Chelle has been actively monitoring talent both locally and abroad.
Zimbabwe Squad
Goalkeepers: Marley Tavaziva (Brentford, England), Future Sibanda (ZPC Kariba, Zimbabwe), Elvis Chipezeze (Magesi, South Africa)
Defenders: Munashe Garananga (Hibernian, Scotland), Corbin Mthunzi (Ipswich Town, England), Shane Maroodza (FK Sarajevo, Bosnia), Gerald Takwara (AL Ittihad Misurata, Libya), Jordan Zemura (Udinese, Italy), Divine Lunga (Mamelodi Sundowns, South Africa), Emmanuel Jalai (Durban City, South Africa)
Midfielders: Sean Fusire (Sheffield Wednesday, England), Mongameli Tshuma (Highlanders, Zimbabwe), Marvelous Nakamba (Sheffield Wednesday, England), Aboubacar Moffat (Scottland, Zimbabwe), Jonah Fabisch (Erzgebirge AUE, Germany), Marshall Munetsi (Paris, France), Tawanda Chirewa (Barnsely, England)
Strikers: Tawanda Maswanhise (Motherwell, Scotland), Prince Dube (Young Africans, Tanzania), Junior Zindoga (TS Galaxy, South Africa), Bill Antonio (KV Mechelen, Belgium), Daniel Msendami (Orlando Pirates, South Africa), Tino Kadewere (Aris Thessaloniki, Greece)
