Warriors primed for Botswana…Muduhwa appointed national team skipper

THE country’s senior men’s football team, the Warriors yesterday conducted two training sessions ahead of their friendly match against Botswana to be played in Gaborone tomorrow.

The Warriors squad for the tie was called last week only to assemble in the capital on Tuesday and left for Botswana on Wednesday without conducting a single training session.

Yesterday, the Baltemar Brito mentored side held its training sessions at Botswana Football Association (BFA) Lekedi Football Centre.
The first one started at 10am while the second workout was held after lunch at the same venue.

Highlanders’ vice-captain Peter Muduhwa, who has since been appointed team captain, said they were pleased that the country has bounced back to the international football family.

“As players we are very much happy that the country is back to playing international football after a long time. This is a development that will benefit the players, clubs and the nation at large. Every player’s dream is to play for the national team and as players we are very much pleased. We need more support from our fans as we represent the country,” said Muduhwa.

Asked about his analysis of the two workouts they conducted yesterday, the combative Muduhwa said: “The training sessions that we had were okay. You could tell from the movement that there is some understanding within the players, we are used to each other. There are very few that have not played together.”

Liberty Mugari, who is part of the Zimbabwe Football Association (Zifa) communications department said all was well in camp.

“The Warriors arrived well in Botswana. Just like Frank (Makarati) and Andrew (Mbeba), Shepherd Mhlanga of Chicken Inn was dropped for the same reason of seeking to balance the team and avoid having more than two players from one local club,” said Mugari.

The trio of Thubelihle Jubane of Sheasham, Manica Diamonds’ Trevor Mavhunga and Clive Mandivhei of Yadah were last minute additions.
Warriors Squad

Goalkeepers: Donovan Bernard (Chicken Inn), Nelson Chadya (Ngezi Platinum Stars)
Defenders: Peter Muduhwa, Godknows Murwira (Caps United), Farai Banda (Manica Diamonds), Qadr Amini (Ngezi Platinum Stars), Xolani Ndlovu (Chicken Inn), Thubelihle Jubane (Sheasham)
Midfielders: Brighton Manhire (Highlanders), Brian Banda (FC Platinum), Tanaka Shandirwa (Dynamos), Mthokozisi Msebe (Bulawayo Chiefs), Donald Mudadi (Dynamos), Davison Marowa (Herentals), Walter Musona (FC Platinum), Tinotenda Benza (Herentals) Manica Diamonds’ Trevor Mavhunga (Manica Diamonds) Clive Mandivhei (Yadah)
Forwards: William Manondo (Caps United), Fortune Binzi (Manica Diamonds), Obriel Chirinda (Bulawayo Chiefs)-@FungaiMuderere