Curtworth Masango
Zimpapers Sports Hub
YOUNG Warriors coach Marc Sanchez has named a 23-man squad for Zimbabwe’s Under-23 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying tie against Mali.
The two-legged tie falls within the November 11-17 international window. Zimbabwe will host Mali at the National Sports Stadium on November 11 before travelling to Bamako for the return leg on November 17.
Portsmouth forward Elisha Pfupa and Brentford’s David Chigwada lead an attacking department that also includes Peterborough’s Vernon Masara, Reading’s Reece Evans and Ngezi Platinum Stars’ Tanaka Munemo.
Sanchez, whose squad features players based in Zimbabwe, England, Finland, Australia and South Africa, said maintaining progress would be central to preparations.
“The biggest challenge will be to reach the same level of football we showed in the last match and, if possible, take it to another level,” he said.
“That was our first camp together(against Mauritius). We want to keep improving and developing the players. That challenge is not just about Mali; it applies to every camp we have together.”
The coach said the technical team had maintained contact with players ahead of camp.
“We have been in touch with the players during these weeks. We will start preparing with them when everyone is here because we have not started camp yet,” said Sanchez.
Players are expected to arrive on November 8 and 9.
Finnish side SJK Seinajoki’s Prosper Padera is among seven midfielders selected, alongside Norwich City’s Miles Bracking, Fulham’s Seth Chingwaro, Leicester City’s Tinashe Manyumba and Birmingham City’s Menzi Mazwi.
Hout Bay United’s Junior Chigumbu and Chicken Inn’s Garie Jr Brendon Chibika complete the midfield options.
The eight defenders are Norwich pair Takudzwa Gwanzura and Jayden Mnikwa, Nottingham Forest’s Kristian Clark, Huddersfield’s Dylan Tawodzera, TelOne’s Allan Chapinduka, South Melbourne’s Richard Nkomo, Ngezi Platinum Stars’ Nisbert Muzenda and Exeter City’s Ethan Sutherland.
Ngezi Platinum Stars’ Tatenda Chikowero, Manica Diamonds’ Joseph Kaunda and Aston Villa’s Jayden Garthwaite are the three goalkeepers. Sanchez said player assessments and communication with clubs had informed the selection.
“We work with all the information available to us. We receive videos and watch players before selecting them,” he said.
“We also keep in touch with professional clubs in England and understand how they work. Knowing the environment in which players are developing, and understanding their current level, helps us select them for the matches we have to play.”
The qualifiers form part of the pathway towards the 2027 Under-23 Africa Cup of Nations, which will also determine Africa’s representatives at the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
