daniel chigunwe
By Lovemore Dube
VETERAN coach Sunday “Mhofu” Chidzambwa and his technical team will be watching out for player fatigue while seeking victory as the Zimbabwe senior national soccer team takes on Namibia in a Challenge match during President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s inauguration today.
Mhofu, one of Zimbabwe’s most successful soccer personalities, has been entrusted with the assignment where soccer will be one of the key entertainment bits for today’s Inauguration programme.
He will be assisted by Lizwe Sweswe of Sheasham, goalkeepers’ trainer Tembo Chuma, Highlanders’ fitness coach Abraham Mbayiwa and former Gweru United striker Wonder Chaka as manager.
The mix on the bench of old and tried Chidzambwa and Chuma combined with new faces of Chaka and Mbayiwa perhaps is a hint of how the Normalisation Committee and its technical committee will go about their business when they sit anytime from this week to select national teams’ coaches.
Zimbabweans must brace for surprises in the new set ups yet some old horses may be retained as their experience may come in handy.
Mhofu confirmed yesterday that they had hastily assembled a national team. He also spoke of the technical team he will be working with.
“I have been appointed alongside Lizwe Sweswe, the FC Platinum goalkeepers’ trainer Chuma, Highlanders’ trainer Mbayiwa and Wonder Chaka. We look forward to the game. “As for the rest of the logistics we are yet to confirm through Bennedict Moyo,” said Chidzambwa.
Moyo is a member of the new technical team that is assisting the Normalisation Committee led by Lincoln Mutasa.
Highlanders FC defence stalwart Peter Muduhwa and skillful and slow midfielder Brighton Manhire, Chicken Inn’s outstanding utility player Sherperd Mhlanga, Godknows Murirwa of Caps United and his teammate Thulani Joseph may be affected by the fact that their teams were in action yesterday. Highlanders clashed with Chicken Inn in a Bulawayo derby at Barbourfields Stadium.
Caps United were in Gweru for a bruising tie with Black Rhinos in a Harare derby played in the Midlands.
Given the significance of the match, the players are expected to give it their best shot on a momentous occasion for Zimbabweans.
Several Heads of State, local and international prominent personalities are expected to grace the occasion. Zimbabwe start as favourites as they are under pressure to show the nation that the 18 month break from international football did not rob players of their individual brilliance.
Who ever is selected to play will want to impress as scouts want to see what is available in Zimbabwe talent wise.
GOALKEEPERS
Simbarashe Chinani (Simba Bhora) Nelson Chadya (Ngezi Platinum Stars)
DEFENDERS
Peter Muduhwa (Highlanders) Frank Makarati (Dynamos) Farai Banda (Manica Diamonds) Xolani Ndlovu (Chicken Inn) Thubelihle Jubane (Sheasham) Godknows Murwira (Caps United) Tawanda Chisi (Manica Diamonds)
MIDFIELDERS
Sheperd Mhlanga (Chicken Inn) Mthokozisi Msebe (Bulawayo Chiefs) Brighton Manhire (Highlanders) Tanaka Shandirwa (Dynamos) Brian Banda (FC Platinum) Thulani Joseph (Caps United)
STRIKERS
Fortune Binzi (Manica Diamonds) Tinashe Balakasi (Simba Bhora) Obriel Chirinda (Bulawayo Chiefs) Walter Musona (FC Platinum) Liberty Masveure (Sheasham)
Technical Team
Head Coach Sunday Marimo Assistant Coach Lizwe Sweswe Goalkeepers Trainer Tembo Chuma Trainer Abraham Mbayiwa Manager Wonder Chaka
Online Reporter