Online Reporter
Langton Nyakwenda
Zimpapers Sports Hub
IT seemingly never rains for Tinotenda Kadewere.
Just when he was bracing for his much-anticipated return to the Warriors ensemble, the striker has been rocked by another injury setback, which has now ruled him out of next week’s Unity Cup tourney in London, England.
Kadewere is one of the strikers who had been included in interim coach Kaitano Tembo’s squad for the Four-nation tourney featuring holders Nigeria, Jamaica, India and the Warriors.
But according to a brief statement of a squad update from ZIFA, Kadewere is one of three players who have had to withdraw from the travelling party for varying reasons.
The others are Mamelodi Sundowns defender Devine Lunga and Belgian-based winger Bill Antonio.
“The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) advises that the following players have been ruled out of the Warriors squad for the upcoming Unity Cup in London: • Tinotenda Kadewere — injury • Divine Lunga — club commitments following Mamelodi Sundowns’ qualification for the CAF Champions League final • Bill Antonio — excused from the squad after requesting leave due to a personal commitment.
“The following players have since been called up as replacements: • Washington Navaya • Prosper Padera • Isheanesu Mauchi,’’ read the statement from the ZIFA media and communications department.
But it is the latest setback to be suffered by Kadewere, which adds another chapter to his on-off relationship with the Warriors.
The 30-year-old striker currently plies his trade with Greek Super League side Aris Thessaloniki, having joined the club on a free transfer from French outfit FC Nantes. Following his latest injury, Kadewere may have to wait a little longer before he can reconnect with the Warriors.
Ironically, his withdrawal from the Warriors’ England tour comes just days after Kadewere came off the bench to inspire Aris to a 3-0 thumping of Levadiakos.
Kadewere came off the bench in the 59th minute before breaking the deadlock in the 63rd minute, setting up a second in the 72nd minute and sealing his brace in the 80th minute.
After that game he had expressed his eagerness to serve the nation with dedication again, ahead of the Unity Cup.
Moffat gets his chance
While it was despair for Kadewere, it was joy for Hardrock striker Washington Navaya, who earns a recall, but none more than Scottland midfielder Abubakar Moffat.
For a long time, many football fans and analysts were clamouring for his inclusion in the national team.
Now that he has been given the chance to finally wear the Warriors jersey, Abubakar Moffat is promising to repay the faith shown in him by national team coach Tembo.
Moffat is one of the four local-based Warriors squad that is also set to welcome back Paris FC midfielder Marshall Munetsi.
Promising Highlanders midfielder Mongameli Tshuma and ZPC Kariba goalkeeper Future Sibanda are the other play-ers drawn from the domestic Premiership.
And Moffat feels this is a great opportunity for the local stars to shine and grab the opportunity.
The squad has respected central midfielders, including skipper Marvelous Nakamba, but there are many who feel it’s Moffat’s chance to change the pecking order. The Aces Youth Soccer Academy alumni first caught attention when he played for MWOS in the second half of last season’s Castle Lager Premier Soccer League campaign.
Despite featuring in limited games, Moffat still managed to win a place among the 2025 Soccer Stars of the Year.
His performances earned him a move to defending champions Scottland, where he has maintained his top form.
“I’m feeling good because it’s an opportunity that I’ve been waiting for and I’ve been working hard to get.
“So, finally, the opportunity has arrived and I’m so grateful and I just want to thank God for the opportunity,” Moffat told Zimpapers Sports Hub.
“I’m so excited to start my journey with the national team,” he added.
Moffat credits his development to Scottland coach Norman Mapeza and his previous gaffer at MWOS Lloyd Mutasa.
He has played 12 out of Scottland’s 13 games this season.
“Playing for Scottland has helped me a lot in terms of building my confidence and staying fit, you know.
“Although things are not going the way that we want at Scottland, we are working hard on improving and trying to win each and every game that we play,” Moffat said.
The champions are fourth on the log and five points behind the leading pair of Hardrock and CAPS United after 13 rounds of action.
“It’s been great working under coach Mapeza and I’m so grateful to work under him.
“I have to adapt to certain things because, you know, each and every coach has their own philosophy.
“I think I’ve adjusted to his type of play, for me, personally, it benefits me a lot in terms of, you know, being a play-maker.
“Or in terms of passing the ball, because of his philosophy, I think, he is one coach that likes to build up from the back,” revealed Moffat.
He added: “Playing for Scottland, I mean, is something that even improved me a lot, you know.
“And I just want to thank club owner Scott Sakupwanya for changing the local game.
“If you see now, there are a lot of teams that are competitive and a lot of teams that are starting to take care of their players.
“Scottland are trying by all means to make players feel like real professionals.”
The powerful midfielder played for lower league teams in Spain before retracing his footsteps back home via Malawi.
He played for MWOS last year before moving to Scottland.
His coach Mapeza has been impressed by his work rate and discipline.
“I wish him all the best, he is a very good young man, he listens to instructions and doesn’t answer back mostly.
“I hope his call-up will also open doors for other Scottland players as well,” said Mapeza.
