adminankle where he pulled some ligaments and is expected to join camp today.
Warriors’ team doctor Nich Munyonga will have to assess him first.
And the technical department, which is seeking nothing short of a victory in the Sunday’s African Cup of Nations tie at Rufaro, will be praying that the experienced Amazulu goal-minder, who was injured three weeks ago during an Absa Premiership match, is certified fit.
In the event that the seasoned pair is ruled out coach Rahman Gumbo would have to choose between the rookie pair of former Under-23 goalie Ariel Sibanda and Dynamos’ George Chigova.
Sibanda was in the Young Warriors team which also had Abbas Amidu, Denver Mukamba and Archford Gutu that featured in the All-Africa Games qualifiers.
They beat Zambia in the preliminary round but came unstuck against neighbours’ South Africa and failed to progress to the group stages.
Sibanda has been the rock on which Bosso have built their defence around and played for the Warriors in a friendly tie against Zambia in Ndola.
Former Under-20 team ‘keeper Chigova has also been a revelation since Washington Arubi left Dynamos for South Africa Premiership.
At yesterday’s morning work-out, only four foreign-based players — Arnold Chaka, Khama Billiart, Oscar Machapa and Abbas Amidu — together nine local players, went through the fitness testing which worked on upper body strength, agility, speed and endurance.
Dynamos midfielder Mukamba, FC Platinum striker Donald Ngoma, Hwange’s Rodwell Chinyengetere, Motor Action defender Passmore Benard, Shabanie Mine forward Nelson Maziwisa, Highlanders midfielder Peter “Rio” Moyo and the three goalkeepers went through their paces at Rufaro.
The exercise, which was also meant to detect injuries, was conducted by fitness trainer Gerald Maguranyanga who has re-united with the national team after his last romance in 2004 when the team got their first Nations Cup appearance.
And it was during that morning fitness session that the Jani picked up an injury or might have flared up an old injury.
Last night, Munyonga said they would only be in a position to comment on the goalkeeper after they assess him physically.
“I am awaiting the arrival of Kapini tomorrow (today) and he will bring the scan which was done today (yesterday).
“At the moment l cannot say whether he is in or out. Marlon pulled a hamstring and didn’t continue with the fitness test.
“His chances of playing are close to zero. He is going to rest today, tomorrow and the day after tomorrow. When you get a hamstring you don’t want to quickly start training again,” said Munyonga.
The training camp has started at a slow pace and the whole morning was confined to the fitness testing while the afternoon session also began with a bleep test before the players did some ball work with coaches Gumbo and his assistants David Mandigora and Peter Ndlovu.
The players are yet to reach the professional standards of the fitness level required and some huffed and puffed with the afternoon agility test.
The South African duo of Esrom Nyandoro and Takesure Chinyama, together with Belgium-based defender Vusa Nyoni, also arrived in the afternoon, but did not take part in training session. The technical department may be worried with the way the players are reporting for camp which may leave them with two meaningful days to train as a whole team before engaging Angola.
All the players, except for Mike Temwanjira who has already been ruled out with an injury, may start full training tomorrow and the late arrivals will also have to undergo the fitness test which has already been done by the early birds.
Coach Gumbo refused to field questions from the media yesterday and, in a rather bizarre move, also barred his players from entertaining questions from the journalists after the work-outs.
Warrior’s team manager, Nyika Chifamba, said they expected the rest of the players to have joined camp by tomorrow evening.
Kalmer midfielder Gutu is expected to arrive this afternoon together with Denmark-based forward Quincy Antipas.
England-based defender, Onismor Bhasera, was also expected to arrive in South Africa for a brief family reunion before connecting to Harare today.
Warrior’s chief striker Knowledge Musona and Cyprus-based defender, Noel Kaseke, are also expected to be in by this afternoon.
Veteran midfielder Tinashe Nengomasha was also expected to arrive yesterday from his base in Johannesburg.
“So far so good. The other players will come today (yesterday) and the remainder tomorrow (today).
“We are expecting all the South African based players today (yesterday) expect for Tapuwa who should arrive tomorrow (today) as he was sorting some issues at the club concerning his injury.
“This tie is very important as players are coming from different leagues.
“And because of the complications in flights Quincy and Archford are leaving Copenhagen today (yesterday) and will arrive tomorrow.
“Knowledge should also arrive tomorrow (today) and Onismor is arriving today (yesterday) in South Africa, he has a family there and would be coming tomorrow (today),” said Chifamba.
The Palancas Negras are already in South Africa for a training camp before they connect here.
Online Reporter