Chronicle Editor
Ricky Zililo, Senior Sports Reporter
THE spotlight will be on the Warriors’ players when most DStv Premier Soccer League teams kick-off their 2021/22 season in South Africa today.
The bulk of Warriors’ players ply their trade in the South African Premiership and will most certainly be included in the squad set to be announced on Monday.
Defender Jimmy Dzingai, winger Talent Chawapiwa and Blessing Sarupinda, who recently joined newly promoted PSL side Sekhukhune United during the off-season, might feature when the team hosts Chippa United today.
Chawapiwa switched to Sekhukhune after being offloaded by Durban side AmaZulu while Dzingai moved to South Africa from Zambian side Nkana FC. Sarupinda caught the eye of Sekhukhune after starring for the Warriors in their disastrous Cosafa Cup campaign.
Goalkeeper Elvis Chipezeze will be hoping to reclaim the first team slot at Baroka and enhance his chances of another national team dance. An injury saw Chipezeze relinquishing his first choice spot at Baroka last season and upon recovery, the ex-Chicken Inn goalie struggled for game time.
Baroka face Marumo Gallants, who bought the franchise of Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila (TTM).
It is not clear if goalkeeper Washington Arubi, who won the 2020/21 Nedbank Cup Player of the Tournament award last season managed to renew his contract with the Polokwane-based club when it expired in June. The club was keen on retaining Arubi, who had also caught the interest of Sekhukhune.
The SuperSport United trio of goalkeeper George Chigova, left-back Onismo Bhasera and utility player Kudakwashe Mahachi are likely to start when their team takes on Cape Town City this evening.
Tomorrow, Ronald Pfumbidzai will be hoping for better fortunes in Royal AM colours, who bought Bloemfontein Celtics’ franchise, when they take on Moroka Swallows in Johannesburg.
Warriors’ poster boy Khama Billiat’s Kaizer Chiefs will be away to TS Galaxy tomorrow.
Meanwhile, in France, striker Tino Kadewere will be hoping for his first start of the season when Lyon take on Clermont tomorrow while Marshal Munetsi is in line for his third start of the season when they take on Metz.
Marvelous Nakamba could feature for Aston Villa in the English Premiership this afternoon against Newcastle. — @ZililoR
Online Reporter