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Takudzwa Chitsiga Sports Reporter
THE Zimbabwe Under-23 side left the country yesterday evening for Morocco where they will play in an international friendly match against the Atlas Lions in Agadir tomorrow.
The home-based players will meet their foreign-based counterparts in Morocco.
Team captain Ronald Pfumbidzai said their target was to win in Morocco.
“I think we have a good team and the players are ready for the challenge, we will do our best and try and win the match at all costs,” said Pfumbidzai.
“The rebuilding exercise is good as it gives young players a chance to play for their country.
“All the players are happy and looking forward to this match.”
Zimbabwe youth international, Macauley Bonne, who will join the team in Morocco, scored two goals for his team, Colchester United, on Monday. They drew 3-3 with Queens Park Rangers at the Rangers’ training ground in Harlington.
Takudzwa Chimwemwe, who got his first call for national duty, hailed coach Callisto Pasuwa for casting the net wide.
“I am happy to be part of the Under-23 team and this will help boost my confidence and I will try and prove my worth after being given the opportunity,” said the Harare City player.
“This will be my first time to represent my country and I welcome it with both hands as this shows my career is growing. “The coach is doing well by casting his net wide from Division One up to the top-flight league as well as international players.”
The Young Warriors held a training session yesterday before they left Harare.
Morocco have named a strong squad, dominated by Europe-based professionals, including Bayern Munich defender Mehdi Benatia, for the international friendly. Apart from Benatia, Morocco also called up several players in Europe’s top leagues including Spain-based Issame El Adoua, who plays for Levante, and the duo of Nourdin Amrabat and Yassine Bounou who plays for FC Malaga and Real Zaragoza in the Spanish La Liga.
Young Warriors squad
Tatenda Mukuruva (Dynamos) Benard Donovan (How Mine) Blessing Moyo (Dynamos) Teenage Hadebe (Bantu Rovers) Douglas Sibanda (Shabanie) Keith Tafadzwa Mavhunga (ZPC Kariba) Tapiwa Ronald Pfumbidzai (CAPS United) Takudzwa Chimwemwe (Harare City) Emmanuel Kudakwashe Mandiranga (How Mine) Gabriel Nyoni (Highlanders) Carlos Rodwell Rusere (DC Academy) Pritchard Mpelele (Hwange) Tinashe Charles Mukanhairi (CAPS United) Kudakwashe Mahachi (Mamelodi Sundowns, South Africa) Macauley Miles Bonne (Colchester United, England) Munyaradzi Mbanje (Leeds United, England) David Philani Moyo (Northampton, England) Marvelous Nakamba (Vitesse FC, Netherlands)
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