Chronicle Editor
Ricky Zililo, Senior Sports Reporter
ZIFA has included United Kingdom-based players in the Warriors’ provisional squad for the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifiers against Botswana and Zambia next month.
The Warriors technical team yesterday announced a squad of 38 players that will be trimmed to a manageable number towards the March 22 encounter against Botswana.
Zifa had delayed announcing the squad while awaiting responses to its requests for the release of players based in the UK.
Zimbabwe, Zambia and Botswana are in the UK’s list of Covid-19 red spots and Zifa had hoped to get positive responses soon for planning purposes.
The Warriors’ UK-based contingent comprises Marvelous Nakamba, Tendayi Darikwa, Brendan Galloway, Admiral Muskwe and David Moyo.
Surprise inclusions in the squad include FC Platinum’s Brian Banda, Shadreck Nyahwa of Bulawayo Chiefs and Caps United’s Carlos Mavhurume.
South African-based striker Knox Mutizwa and midfielder Thabani Kamusoko, who plies his trade in Zambia, make a return to the national team setup after missing the November back-to-back Afcon qualifiers against Algeria.
Warriors provisional squad
Goalkeepers: Talbert Shumba (Nkana) Tatenda Mkuruva (Michigan Stars) Ariel Sibanda (Highlanders) Martin Mapisa (Zamora CF)
Defenders: Jordan Zemura (AFC Bournemouth) Jimmy Dzingai (Nkana) Alec Mudimu (Ankaraspor) Teenage Hadebe (Yeni Malatyaspor) Divine Lunga (Lamontville Golden Arrows) Tendai Jirira (Detroit City) Tendayi Darikwa (Wigan Athletic) Brendan Galloway (Luton Town) Victor Kamhuka (Royal Malaysia Police) Romario Matova (NK Solin) Peter Muduwa (Simba SC) Carlos Mavhurume (Caps United) Shadreck Nyahwa (Bulawayo Chiefs)
Midfielders: Marshall Munetsi (Stade de Reims) Marvelous Nakamba (Aston Villa) Butholezwe Ncube (Amazulu) Ovidy Karuru (Black Leopards) Khama Billiat (Kaizer Chiefs) Tafadzwa Rusike (Zesco United) Brian Banda (FC Platinum) King Nadolo (Dynamos) Kudakwashe Mahachi (SuperSport United) Thabani Kamusoko (Zesco United, Knowledge Musona (KAS Eupen) Tatenda Tavengwa (Harare City) Tanaka Chinyahara (Red Arrows)
Strikers: Terrence Dzvukamanja (Orlando Pirates) Tinotenda Kadewere (Olympique Lyonnais) David Moyo (Hamilton Academical) Admiral Muskwe (Wycombe Wanderers) Farau Matare (Bulawayo Chiefs) Knox Mutizwa (Lamontville Golden Arrows) Evans Rusike (SuperSport United) Prince Dube (Azam)
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