Young Warriors go hunting

medal, flew to Gaborone yesterday for the Metropolitan Cosafa Youth Championship, which kicks off tomorrow.
The Young Warriors will begin their campaign on Friday with a tricky tie against last year’s finalists Namibia.
Zimbabwe have been pooled in a tough Group D, which also features Angola, Madagascar and Namibia.
Namibia were last year’s finalists, losing to Zambia, the eventual winners of the tournament.
Yesterday, Young Warriors’ coach Taurai Mangwiro said it was a tough call but his players were ready for the task.
“It is a tough group with Namibia having already won the Under-19 Metropolitan Championships while Angola won last year’s Zone Six competition but we are optimistic as we go into this tournament.
“Our preparations went on well and we are ready. Initially we had a squad of 37 players, reduced it to 23 players and now we are left with 20 players.
“We have schoolboys in our team like Marvellous Nakamba, Gabriel Nyoni and Kuda Mahachi.
“We had to drop other high school players as they were lacking match fitness due to the school calendar where they last played soccer during the second term.
“It would be taxing playing five matches in ten days if the team goes all the way to the finals. The bulk of our team is coming from Division One clubs.
“If you look at last year’s squad, the likes of Denver Mukamba, Simba Sithole, Lincolin Zvasiya and Knowledge Machona went on to graduate to the Under-23 and senior team while at the same time joining bigger clubs.
“So these young players should also be motivated to emulate them and shine in Gaborone,” said Mangwiro.
One of the experienced players in the squad, Bantu Rovers defender Kuda Mahachi, said they were raring to go.
“We hope we will bring the trophy. We are ready and if we play as a team we will do well. I played last year and I am glad I am going again.
“There will be lot of scouts to identify talent and I would also want to do well,” said Mahachi.
The only foreign-based player in the team, Trevor Mutero, was also confident that they will bring the trophy home.
“Everything was good and spot on. The training camp went on well. I am ready to play my part and I think we stand a good chance.
“We just have to go there and perform and take the trophy from Zambia,” said Mutero.
Squad:
Seeba Maponga, Tonderai Mateyaunga, Elvis Muduwira, Edwin Nkomo, Willard Kalongonda, Ronald Chitiyo, Marvellous Nakamba, Kuda Mahachi, Tichaona Mabvura, Ngobizitha Masuku, Trevor Mutero, Munyaradzi Muchenje, Humphrey Murongazvombo, Charles Mukanhairi, Proud Zireni, Talent Chawapiwa, Ozil Marerwa, Gabriel Nyoni, Roy Mwenga, Munya Chiwara.