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Sikhumbuzo Moyo, Senior Sports Reporter
YOUNG Warriors coach Mandla Mpofu has named a 38 member squad that is expected to go into camp on Monday in preparation for the Cosafa Under-20 Championships in South Africa next month.
The PPC-sponsored tournament, making a return since 2013 will be held from December 7-16 at the Mogwase and Moruleng stadiums.
Harare City dominates the squad with five players.
Highlanders’ young sensation Prince Dube will be expected to lead the strike force at the tournament where Zimbabwe were drawn in Group B together with Zambia and Malawi.
“Tentatively we wanted to begin camp on Monday but we will await advice from the office,” said Mpofu who will be assisted by Triangle United assistant coach and DeMbare legend Biggie Zuze.
Also called up into the squad is Ngezi Platinum’s impressive goalkeeper Nelson Chadya and Tsholotsho’s Blessing Sibanda.
Mpofu will run his eye over the selection before announcing his final picks as Zimbabwe seek to claim a first regional title at this level since 2007.
Meanwhile, Kwese Sports, Econet Media’s sports content platform has signed an exclusive one-year deal with Cosafa with an option of extension for another two years.
The deal includes the broadcast rights for the Cosafa Under-20 and Women’s Tournament to fans across sub-Saharan Africa.
Kwesé Sports has secured both Free to Air and Pay TV rights, Cosafa content will also be streamed live on the Kwesé Sports website as well as on the official Kwesé App. Programming will include live games, highlights and catchup.
“We are working towards being the hub for everything sports related on the African continent, be it local or international. We aim to bring the best in premium content from all over the world complemented by an extensive selection of local tournaments,” said, CEO of Econet Media Joseph Hundah, speaking to cosafa.com on local content.
Kwesé Sports has exclusive pan-African rights for some of the world’s leading sports content including the EPL, NBA, Formula One, EFC, The Spanish Copa Del Rey, English Rugby and Brazilian soccer to name a few.
The move to acquire Cosafa rights is one that follows the acquisition of Africa Netball and is in efforts to diversify programming and strike a feasible balance between Kwesé international and local offerings.
“Cosafa is delighted that it’s Under-20 Youth Championship and Women’s Championship will be reliably televised and brought to the continent thereby showcasing the competitions and providing exposure to the players and referees of the southern Africa Region” said Cosafa’s chairman of competitons Timothy Shongwe.
Provisional squad
Goalkeepers: Elisha Nechiturike(ZPC Kariba), Nelson Chadya (Ngezi Platinum), Prince Phiri (How Mine), Kelvin Shangiwa (Harare City).
Defenders: Last Kapuya (Diambas FC, SA), Derwin Phiri (Triangle), Angel Dexter(Harare City), Bukhosi Ncube (Highlanders), Prince Motsi (DZ Academy), Kuzivakwashe Madina (Catholic Saint), Simbarashe Chimanikire (Catholic Saint), Tatenda Mchisi (Ngezi Platinum) Shepherd Maradzamunda(Chapungu), Frederick Dzeka(Gutu)
Midfielders: Learnmore Munyambo(Harare City), Patrick Musaka (Black Leopards, SA), Brave Sibanda(Chapungu), Denzil Khumalo (Bantu Rovers), Amos Ncube(Chicken Inn), Bukhosi Sibanda( Bantu Rovers) Leeroy Mavunga(Yadah), Munyaradzi Chitambwe(Bantu Rovers), Raynold Mate(FC Platinum), Donnet Ndlovu (Highlanders) Hughe Chikosa(Border Strikers), Bright Majamanda( Mutare City) Brighton Mhungu (Friendly Academy)
Strikers: Prince Dube (Highlanders) Thomas Kadyaridzire(Chicken Inn), Jerry Chipangura (Harare City) Nqobile Ndlovu (How Mine) Blessing Sibanda (Tsholotsho) Knowledge Ndlovu(FC National Mbare), Ishmael Mushekwi (Caps United), Tatenda Tumba(Harare City), Clive Rupiya(Sprouting), King Nasama(Dynamos), Frederick Muza(Mutare City).
Technical squad
Mandla Mpofu (Head coach), Biggie Zuze (Assistant Coach), Laban Kandi (Goalkeepers’ coach), Patrick Mutesva (Team manager), Cassidy Banda (Kit manager), Sam Chaurura (Physiotherapist).
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