Young Warriors leave for Swaziland

Ngqabutho Moyo Sports Reporter
THE Young Warriors left the country yesterday ahead of their international football friendly match against Swaziland’s national team set for Somhlolo Stadium tomorrow evening.
They were expected in Manzini last night.
Zifa board member, Fungai Chihuri is leading the 24-member delegation in preparation for qualifying rounds of the 2015 DR Congo Under-23 African Championships.

Saul Chaminuka said that three changes were made to the side which travelled to Botswana last month with ZPC Kariba’s Tonderai Leeroy Mateyaunga, Pritchard Mwamba Mpelele from Hwange and Terrence Gonzo from ZPC Kariba replacing Dynamos goalkeeper Tatenda Mukuruva, FC Platinum’s Walter Musona and Keith Tafadzwa Mavunga of ZPC Kariba respectively.

Chaminuka is leading the boys in Swaziland in the absence of head coach Callisto Pasuwa who was unable to make the journey as his assistant Philemon Mutyakureva is in Bulawayo attending the Caf B course.

Chaminuka said they prepared well for the match and were confident of winning.
“We are glad that Zifa have presented us with another opportunity to assess our boys. We are optimistic and confident that we will build a strong team for the Under-23 African Championship qualifiers,” said Chaminuka

Zifa spokesperson Xolisani Gwesela appealed for corporate support for the Young Warriors.
“As the motherbody we will work tirelessly to ensure that the youngsters are afforded a number of friendly matches. We want to produce a competitive team for the qualifiers. Once again we appeal for corporate support as our financial position is precarious. The funding of our national teams should be a collective responsibility,” he said.

The Young Warriors’ next assignment is an away international friendly match against Morocco on November 16.

Under-23 Squared
Tonderai Leeroy Mateyaunga (ZPC Kariba), Bernad Donovan (How Mine) Blessing Moyo (Dynamos), Praise Tonha (Triangle) Liberty Chakoroma (Buffaloes), Lawrence Mhlanga (Chicken Inn), Njabulo Kelvin Moyo (FC Platinum) Ronald Tapiwa Pfumbidzai (Caps United), Nqobizitha Masuku (Bantu Rovers), Wisdom Mutasa (FC Platinum), Brian Muzondiwa (Black Rhinos), Pritchard Mwamba Mpelele (Hwange), Terrence Gonzo (ZPC Kariba), Emmanuel Mandiringa (How Mine), Gabriel Nyoni (Highlanders), Knox Mutizwa (Highlanders), Rodwell Carlos Rusere (DC Academy), Charles Tinashe Mukanhairi (Caps United)