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Tadious Manyepo-Sports Reporter
ZIMBABWE Defence Forces Select are looking to put the icing on the cake of ZDF Day’s celebrations with a victory over their Zambian counterparts at Rufaro tomorrow.
The country commemorates the Zimbabwe Defence Forces Day at the historic venue tomorrow and ZDF Select have a chance to spice it up by winning the ZDF trophy.
Veteran coach Steven Mapepa has been given the responsibility of leading the team that comprises Black Rhinos, Tongogara and Chapungu players.
His players have been in camp since Friday and they looked eager to succeed as they went about their preparations in Harare yesterday afternoon.
Mapepa said he has already worked on his tactics and he is looking forward to winning the match.
“I am happy with what I have seen in my players so far. The players are well in shape because they are in-season and we have had to work on tactics and combinations. This is our first 11 v 11 session (yesterday) because we had so many players who were in action between Friday and Saturday,” said Mapepa.
“Look, players like Emmanuel Chitauro who is on loan at Yadah had a match on Saturday and he headed straight into camp but we are very happy with how things are panning out.
“I see a determined group of players who are keen to lift that trophy.
“Physically, everyone is in good shape and it is looking positive from the way I want to play.”
Mapepa warned his charges to concentrate if they are to win the match.
“We are playing against the Zambians who have a very good footballing culture. They are a determined lot and can win any match. So we need to respect them but see to it that we throw better punches than them,” added Mapepa.
“It will be a very good match never to miss. Zambians want to pass the ball around, and so do we, and the game will be tough.
“But at the end of the day, we need to push and get to win the ZDF trophy. That is the main aim and we are promising fans a very good game of football.”
Experienced forward Allan Tavarwisa will skipper the ZDF Select side.
ZDF Select will be buoyed by the fact that they have won the Botswana Defence Forces Cup early this year although the composition of the squad has slightly changed.
ZDF Select squad
Moreblessing Mushangwe (Black Rhinos), Lenon gonese (Black Rhinos), Edward Watson (Chapungu), Allen Tavarwisa ( Chapungu) Emmanuel Chitauro(Yadh on loan from Chapungu) Leeroy Bernard (Chapungu), Valentine Katsande (Black Rhinos), Prince Mutasa (Black Rhinos), Tatenda Mchisa (Black Rhinos), Kudakwashe Nyakudanga (Black Rhinos), Cuthbert Gwaze(Chapungu), Mactonomy Mahodobi (Black Rhinos), Polite Sibanda(Chapungu), Charles Mativenga(Chapungu), Phillip Chamunorwa(Chapungu), Clement Kesa(Tongogara), Shelton Mhaka(Tongogara), Peace Osborne Mwanza(Tongogara)
Technical Department
Head Coach: Steven Mapepa
Assistant Coach: Tawanda Marimo (Chapungu)
Assistant Coach: Calvin Maphosa (Tongogara)
Goalkeepers Coach: Malvern Moyo(Black Rhinos Queens)
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