adminThe three have been the solid foundation on which Zambian mentor Kelvin Kaindu has built his side that has gone 18 league matches without a defeat.
After six barren years, Highlanders have turned into serious championship contenders.
Sibanda was one of four goalkeepers called up to the team that is expected to go into camp next week. He will have to contend with fierce competition from veteran Marlon Jani, Dynamos’ George Chigova and favourite for the number one spot Tapuwa Kapini.
Mapuranga’s inclusion is expected to add some steel to the central defence in which of late coach Rahman Gumbo had converted anchorman Esrom Nyandoro to the role in the last Warriors’ Afcon qualifiers’ games.
Creativity has always been a problem for the team and this time Gumbo has gone for some of the most exciting attacking midfielders in the country in Moyo, Denver Mukamba and Archieford Gutu. He can also add Vusa Nyoni to his list.
Called up from the wilderness is Mike Temwanjira who plies his trade in Romania.
Zifa have also assured the nation that the Warriors will be able to fulfil their second leg tie away to Angola in October.
Two weeks ago, the Under-20 team failed to travel to Luanda for the second leg of the African qualifiers after the national association failed to raise $37 000 for the airfares.
Yesterday, both Zifa chief executive officer Jonathan Mashingaidze and board member responsible for national teams’ activities Benedict Moyo confirmed that all was in place for the first leg of the tie slated for Harare on 9 September and the return on 13 October.
Moyo said they secured sponsorship for the Warriors from Mbada Diamond Holdings for all competitive matches. He said their responsibility was to secure more for friendly matches from other sources.
“We have everything in place . . . there won’t be any such thing as the team failing to travel. Mbada Diamond Holdings are our sponsors for competitions that the Warriors take part in.
“All is set for the team to go into camp early. The coaches have done their best travelling around the country watching the talent at their disposal,” said Moyo.
He said as Zifa they regret the Under-20s debacle but their hands were tied as they did all they could to source sponsorship but were not successful.
“We are committed to the development of the Warriors brand. It needs money and when we fail to ensure they travel it stays a sore point for us. Sponsorship has been our biggest challenge but we are committed to national success at all levels,” said Moyo.
He said the Warriors need to beat Angola to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations finals in South Africa and this enjoins Zimbabweans to unite for the sole purpose of success. He called on more corporate players to come forward and help Zifa and the Warriors.
“We have reached a stage where to qualify we need every resource possible from prayers, well-wishes and financial and material support for a good camp and result.
“Every Zimbabwean must feel duty-bound to help raise resources. National teams do not belong to Zifa but all Zimbabweans,” said Moyo.
He said national coaches Rahman Gumbo, Peter Ndlovu and David Mandigora had turned down an offer to play Malawi in a friendly this weekend.
Their argument was that they had seen the material at their disposal in the Castle Lager Premiership and were now eager to see how they would combine with the foreign legion.
“The coaches want a friendly match before the game against Angola. The Malawians have indicated that they could be keen to play us before they fly out to Ghana. It would be a few days before the match so the foreign legion will be back in the country for national duty,” said Moyo.
Mashingaidze said Zifa would do everything possible to afford the Warriors an incident-free camp. He said they would look up to their sponsors and other well-wishers.
He said they had allowed coaches to announce the team early so that thorough preparations were made.
The Warriors Squad
M Jani, A Sibanda, G Chigovah, T Kapini, P Bernard, N Kaseke, I Mapuranga, C Nyadombo, A Chaka, O Bhasera, O Machapa, V Nyoni, T Nengomasha, R Chinyengetere, A Gutu, P Moyo, K Billiat, A Amidu, K Musona, D Mukamba, M Temwanjira, T Chinyama, N Mazivisa, Q Antipas, D Ngoma.
Online Reporter