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Fungai Muderere
JAIROS Tapera says he will fuse local players and some of those based in Europe for the COSAFA Cup in South Africa next month.
He feels the tournament will provide a window for many of the Euro-based starlets, who have not had time to showcase their talents in World Cup qualifiers.
“I have been talking to the national team management which has indicated that they only have finances that can accommodate a single group of players in South Africa.
“However, for the COSAFA competition we will try by all means to have a team that will have a bulk of locally-based players.
“Foreign based players, who would have had little game time, will be considered,” said Tapera.
In the 23-member World Cup qualifiers squad, there are seven home-based players.
Chicken Inn, Manica Diamonds and Dynamos provide goalkeepers — Donovan Bernard, Godfrey Chitsumba and Martin Mapisa.
Highlanders defender Andrew Mbeba, CAPS United defender Godknows Murwira and the Simba Bhora duo of Walter Musona and Tymon Machope make up the seven home-based players. Tapera was unveiled as caretaker national team coach last Friday, two weeks before the Warriors engage in two crucial battles against Lesotho and South Africa.
Although the squad was selected by the ZIFA secretariat before the coaches were appointed, Tapera said he had been given a chance to give his input on the side.
The team that was announced on Wednesday.
It includes the likes of Jordan Zemura, Andy Rinomhota, Daniel Msendami, Shane Maroodza, Munashe Garananga, Tivonge Rushesha, Joey Phuthi, Walter Musona and Tawanda Maswanhise.
Injured captain Marvelous Nakamba missed on selection again, but there were no major surprises in the group that also includes senior players Teenage Hadebe, Tino Kadewere, Gerald Takwara, Devine Lunga, and vice-captain Marshall Munetsi, who form the core of the Warriors.
Online Reporter