Online Reporter
Curtworth Masango
THE Young Warriors are expected to troop into camp in Harare today as they begin preparations for their crucial Caf Olympic qualifier against Mauritius.
Zimbabwe will travel to the Indian Ocean island for the first leg on September 30 before hosting the return match on October 6.
The Young Warriors will be accommodated at a Cresta hotel in the capital and are expected to remain in camp until their departure for Mauritius.
Spanish coach Marc Sanchez has named a 26-member provisional squad featuring a blend of locally-based players and foreign-based prospects drawn from clubs in England, Australia, Finland, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and South Africa.
A Zifa source yesterday revealed that some of the foreign-based players had already arrived, while the remainder were expected by Wednesday.
“Some of the foreign-based players are already in the country, while those arriving later are expected no later than Wednesday,” said the source.
“Everything has been put in place for the camp. The technical team will have the players for the longest possible period so that they can work on fitness, combinations and the tactical approach for the two matches.
“The locally-based players will also have an opportunity to train with their foreign-based counterparts and build the understanding required for such an important assignment.”
The two matches form part of the African qualifying pathway for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.
Zimbabwe must overcome Mauritius on aggregate to remain in contention. Victory would take them to the next stage of the continental qualifying campaign, while defeat would end their Olympic dream.
The qualifying programme culminates in the Caf Under-23 Africa Cup of Nations, which will determine Africa’s representatives at the 2028 Games.
“The first leg will be very important because the team needs to obtain a positive result away from home,” the source said.
“We do not want to go into the return leg under unnecessary pressure. The players understand what is at stake because progress will keep alive the country’s hopes of returning to the Olympic Games.
“All the logistical arrangements, including accommodation, travel and player documentation, are being attended to.”
The provisional squad includes Aston Villa goalkeeper Jayden Garthwaite, Sheffield Wednesday defender Sean Fusire, Ipswich Town’s Corbin Mthunzi and the Norwich City trio of Takudzwa Gwanzura, Jayden Munikwa and Miles Bracking.
Fulham midfielder Seth Chingwaro and forwards Elisha Pfupa, David Chigwada and Vernon Masara, who are attached to Portsmouth, Brentford and Peterborough respectively, have also been included.
Provisional squad
Goalkeepers: Jayden Garthwaite (Aston Villa), Tatenda Chikowero (Ngezi Platinum Stars), Joseph Kaunda (Manica Diamonds).
Defenders: Sean Fusire (Sheffield Wednesday), Corbin Mthunzi (Ipswich Town), Shane Maroodza (Sarajevo), Taropafadzwa Wafawarova (Newcastle Jets), Takudzwa Gwanzura (Norwich City), Jayden Munikwa (Norwich City), Keith Handirade (MWOS), Richard Nkomo (South Melbourne).
Midfielders: Tadiwanashe Huni (FC Hunters), Prosper Padera (SJK Seinäjoki), Garie Jr Brendon Chibika (Chicken Inn), Miles Bracking (Norwich City), Seth Chingwaro (Fulham), Noel Zimbeva (Radford), Junior Chigumbu (Hout Bay United), Menzi Mazwi (Birmingham).
Forwards: Timmy Kushata (MWOS), Darrel Zulu (Manica Diamonds), Tanaka Munemo (Ngezi Platinum Stars), Prince Ndlovu (Highlanders), Elisha Pfupa (Portsmouth), David Chigwada (Brentford), Vernon Masara (Peterborough).
