adminAugustine Hwata in HARARE and Jabes Lefani in KADOMA
THREE Zimbabwe international footballers yesterday diced with death when their car was involved in a road accident in Kadoma on their way to Harare to join the Warriors training camp. Leftback Milton Ncube was behind the steering wheel of the Toyota Vitz with his Highlanders teammate Kuda Mahachi in the front seat while Peter “Rio” Moyo was in the back seat.
The accident occurred about a kilometre from the Kadoma Police Station.
According to preliminary indications, Ncube lost control of the car and it overturned twice before landing on its roof.
Mahachi and Ncube, who were wearing seat belts, hit the front windscreen, which was shattered on impact.
Mahachi received a cut on the forehead.
The accident occurred around 3pm.
Ncube and Mahachi we rushed to a private clinic while Moyo remained at the accident.
He later went to hospital after talking to the police.
Moyo said he was experiencing pain in the back and on his neck but said they were all out of danger.
“We were on our way to Harare when the accident occurred. I think it was around three o’clock this afternoon. I am not sure what happened but it appeared he (Ncube) lost control (of the car),” said Moyo.
“We are at the hospital but I still feel some pain especially in the neck and back. We are still waiting at for another assessment,” said Moyo.
The players were later discharged from hospital.
Patrick Mutesva, who is the acting Warriors team manager, said he had also spoken to Mahachi soon after the accident.
“I heard that the guys were involved in accident somewhere in Kadoma. But I got assurance that the boys are out of danger,” said Mutesva.
“I managed to speak to Kuda Mahachi and he has been attended to at a clinic in the town.
“The guys told me that they are okay but were waiting for a further examination from a doctor.
“I am sure they will come for camp. But right now we cannot say much about whether they will travel to Malawi or not.
“The (Warriors) medical team will have to assess the players and decide if they make the trip or not.”
Highlanders vice-chairman Jerry Sibanda was understood to have taken the players last night and brought them to Harare for camp.
On Friday, Warriors coach Ian Gorowa included the trio in his squad to face Malawi in Blantyre on Wednesday.
Last night, Gorowa drafted Ronald Pfumbidzayi into the team.
Meanwhile, the Flames of Malawi have stepped up their preparations for the game against Zimbabwe by calling CAPS United’s Ishmael Thindwa into their squad for the match.
Thindwa finished as the leading scorer last season while playing for Epac.
Coach Young Chimodzi also called Joseph Kamwendo, who nows plays for TP Mazembe in the DRC, and Mozambique-based goalkeeper Simplex Nthala for the game set for Kamuzu Stadium.
Football Association of Malawi programmes officer Gomez Zakazaka said his association will meet the costs of the match, just like did in the encounters against Rwanda and Nigeria.
Malawi squad
Simplex Nthala, Charles Swini, Richard Chipuwa, Douglas Chirambo, Pilirani Zonda, Lottie Mwakasula, Thoko Stambuli, Francis Mulimbika, Lucky Malata, Emmanuel Zoya, George Nyirenda, Harry Nyirenda, Moses Chavula, Joseph Kamwendo, Robert Ng’ambi, Chimango Kayira, Frank Banda, Young Chimodzi, Phillip Masiye, Gaston Simukonda, Green Harawa, Ishmael Thindwa, Gabadinho Mhango, Zicco Mkanda
Online Reporter