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Lovemore Dube Sports Editor
THE Warriors will tomorrow begin preparations for their international friendly soccer match against Mozambique slated for Barbourfields Stadium on Sunday.
They are expected to assemble in Bulawayo by this evening for the match which is part of the senior national team of locally based players’ preparations for the Chan finals in South Africa next month.
Zifa spokesperson Xolisani Gwesela told Chronicle Sport:
“The players started assembling at the Zifa Village in Mount Hampden today. We expect them to move to Bulawayo tomorrow before they commence preparations on Thursday.
We have been able to secure both Barbourfields Stadium and White City Stadium as practice venues”.
He disclosed that the Mozambicans are expected in the city tomorrow.
Highlanders’ goalkeeper Munyaradzi Diya has retained his place in the team and is expected to start ahead of George Chigova of Dynamos.
Head coach Ian Gorowa is keen to try other players and has considered some dark horses of the just-ended season.
Black Rhinos’ Wonder Kampinda and Lot Chiwunga, Buffaloes’ Themba Ndlovu, Hwange’s Gerald Ndlovu and Nkosana Siwela, Bantu Rovers’ Nqobizitha Khumalo and Black Mambas’ Convenience Hungwe have been called up.
The inclusion of the two Ndlovus has been overdue as both players have been playing well for their clubs over the years.
With Dynamos’ Partson Jaure in the squad, Gerald, who is superb both in the air and on the ground, could partner the DeMbare defence stalwart at the heart of defence.
Caps United’s Hardlife Zvirekwi could start at right back and give Gorowa several attacking options and width on the offensive.
Kuda Mahachi of Chicken Inn, Ali Sadiki of FC Platinum, the Bosso duo of Milton Ncube and Bruce Kangwa could also be thrown into the fray.
Harare City’s outstanding Silas Songani is likely to take up the attacking right linkman’s slot.
It is the inclusion of Sadiki that could add some lustre into the team’s creativity and attack as the former Harare United and Gunners midfielder has few peers in ingenuity on the field of play.
Triangle’s Pascal Manhanga, a former Tsholotsho Pirates star and Shabanie Mine’s Samson Bushire are also in the team.
Simba Sithole of Dynamos has been rewarded for his double that earned the Harare side the championship two Sundays ago against Black Mambas. He could be partnered by How Mine’s Simba Sithole in attack.
Gwesela said by bringing the Warriors to Bulawayo, Zifa were throwing a challenge to local authorities to improve their facilities.
“Soccer is a national game; we want to take the Warriors to every corner of the country. This should be a challenge to local authorities and service providers to improve their facilities,” he said.
It will be the first time that the Warriors play in Bulawayo under Gorowa and Mkhuphali Masuku.
Gwesela challenged fans to come in their numbers and cheer the boys as Gorowa continues with his rebuilding exercise.
The Warriors
Munyaradzi Diya (Highlanders), George Chigova (Dynamos), Wonder Kampinda (Black Rhinos), Hardlife Zvireki (Caps United), Themba Ndlovu (Buffaloes), Gerald Ndlovu (Hwange), Felix Chindungwe (Chicken Inn), Milton Ncube (Highlanders), Nqobizitha Khumalo (Bantu Rovers), Convenience Hungwe (Black Mambas), Dan Phiri (Chicken Inn), Pascal Manhanga (Triangle), Nkosana Siwela (Hwange), Warren Dube (How Mine), Silas Songani (Harare City), Lot Chiwunga (Black Rhinos), Kuda Mahachi (Chicken Inn), Ali Sadiki (FC Platinum), Bruce Kangwa (Highlanders), Misheck Mburayi (Triangle), Simba Sithole (Dynamos), Simba Sithole (How Mine).
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