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THE Young Warriors began trooping back into camp yesterday and are scheduled to start training today as they prepare for the Africa Under-23 Championships last qualifying round showdown against South Africa at Rufaro this weekend.
About 10 players had reported for duty in the evening and head coach Callisto Pasuwa will be hoping that he has all his players so that serious business begins this morning.
It was not clear when South Africa-based Kuda Mahachi and Marvelous Nakamba, who is based in the Netherlands, will report for duty.
The FC Platinum duo of Young Warriors skipper Wisdom Mutasa and Walter Musona are expected to conclude their trials in Slovakia today before they return for the tie.
With the Castle Lager Premiership on a break this weekend, the national Under-23 team, which has in the past lacked support from the clubs, will get top priority this time around.
Pasuwa will be hoping that Dynamos defender Blessing Moyo, who was replaced in the first half during the league match against Hwange on Sunday, did not suffer a serious injury.
Premier Soccer League chief executive, Kenny Ndebele, confirmed they will be suspending all the league matches this weekend to support the national cause.
“The Castle Premier Soccer League would like to notify the public that the league matches scheduled for 18 and 19 July 2015 will be postponed so as to give support to the Under-23 national soccer team that will be playing against South Africa on 19 July 2015 at Rufaro in an important Rio 2016 Olympic Games qualifying match.
“As you are aware, the winner of the match will qualify for the Eight Nations tournament to be held in Senegal which will serve as a final qualifier for the Rio Olympics.
“The Castle Lager Premier League Match Day 17 will resume from the 25th of July 2015.
“The PSL urges all football loving fans to come in their numbers and rally behind the Young Warriors.
“We take this opportunity to wish the Young Warriors the best of luck in this important match,” read the statement.
Squad
Tatenda Mukuruva, Blessing Moyo, Carlos Rusere (Dynamos), Teenage Hadede, Nqobizitha Masuku, Thomas Chideu, Knox Mtizwa (Highlanders), Marshal Mudehwe, Wisdom Mutasa, Walter Musona (FC Platinum), Lawrence Mhlanga, Raphael Kutinyu (Chicken Inn), Donovan Bernard, Mgcini Sibanda (How Mine), Chris Mverechena (CAPS United), Tino Kadewere (Harare City), Pritchard Mpelele (Hwange), Jimmy Konono (Whawha), Farai Madhanaga (Flame Lily), Gerald Takwara (Tsholotsho), Malvin Gaki (Triangle), Kuda Mahachi (Mamelodi Sundowns, South Africa), Marvelous Nakamba (Vitesse, Netherlands), Ronald Pfumbidzai (Hobro IK, Denmark).
Online Reporter