Sundaymail Editor
Langton Nyakwenda
National team coach Zdravko Logarusic on Thursday announced his preferred charges for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 qualifiers at the material time the Confederation of African Football (CAF) was shifting dates for the upcoming encounters from June to September.
The Warriors were set to host rivals South Africa in their opening qualifier during the weekend of June 5 to June 6.
The CAF Emergency Committee, in consultation with FIFA, decided to postpone the qualifiers due to the challenges caused by the Covid-19 pandemic and “the need to ensure optimal playing conditions for all participating teams”.
However, Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) had already released the provisional Warriors squad for the South African match by the time news spread that the qualifiers had been postponed.
There is no place for in-form South African-based keeper Washington Arubi in Logarusic’s squad and the Croat has finally dumped stocky defender Victor Kamhuka, who plays in an unfashionable league in Myanmar.
Luton Town defender Brendan Galloway has been included in a squad that also has veteran left-back Onismor Bhasera.
Provisional Warriors squad
Goalkeepers: Martin Mapisa, Talbert Shumba, Ariel Sibanda
Defenders: Alec Mudimu, Divine Lunga, Tendayi Darikwa, Teenage Hadebe, Jimmy Dzingai, Jordan Zemura, Onismor Bhasera, Takudzwa Chimwemwe, Brendan Galloway, Carlos Mavhurume.
Midfielders: Marshall Munetsi, Butholezwe Ncube, Ovidy Karuru, Marvelous Nakamba, Kudakwashe Mahachi, Knowledge Musona, Khama Billiat, Perfect Chikwende, Thabani Kamusoko, King Nadolo, Tafadzwa Rusike.
Strikers: Tinotenda Kadewere, David Moyo, Admiral Muskwe, Knox Mutizwa, Prince Dube, Terrence Dzvukamanja
Tinaye Agere
Online Reporter