SIMBA RUSHWAYA
Hawks parachuted their players into the team forcing Warriors coach Sunday Chidzambga to revise his list for the 2019 African Cup of Nations final qualifier match against Congo Brazzaville next Sunday, Business Times can reveal.
The Warriors engage the Red Devils of Congo in the final qualifying match that will book them their fourth ticket to the continental finals since independence and the second dance for the veteran gaffer.
The former Dynamos mentor became the first coach to take Zimbabwe to their first ever finals in 2004 when the Warriors gatecrashed the big boys’ party in Tunisia. Since then, Zimbabwe has qualified for Egypt (2006) and Gabon (2017).
Charles Mhlauri took the Warriors to Egypt while Kallisto Pasuwa became the third coach to guide the local outfit to the prestigious tournament.
Chidzambga had his squad for the Congo game next Sunday ready early last month, but curiously had to wait until last week to name his provisional squad amid claims that there were hawks within the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) and powerful individuals who
somehow managed to force their players in preparation for the finals set for June.
somehow managed to force their players in preparation for the finals set for June.
Players who excel at the tournament, estimated to be watched by about 6.6 billion viewers according to statistics guru Peter Bourroughs, traditionally attract greener pastures after the tournament. As such individual managers of players angle their clients to appear at the
finals for potential cash rich moves in Europe.
finals for potential cash rich moves in Europe.
Said a source: “The truth of the matter is that he (Chidzambga) had one or two players forced down his throat because of some individual interests. He had his squad prepared a long time ago, but some people at ZIFA sat on it making some changes.
“He (Chidzambga) could not come out criticizing ZIFA for the changes because he is generally a diplomatic person and mature. He will just have to make-do with what is there, although the squad is very strong.”
Two players; Kelvin Lunga of SC Rodinghausen and Leicester City’s Admiral Muskwe will be vying for their first caps in the crucial tie.
Lunga and Muskwe were born in Germany and United Kingdom respectively, but to Zimbabwean parents. Lunga is son to former Dynamos and Zimbabwe striker Max Makanza, who is now based in Germany.
ZIFA president Felton Kamambo refused to comment on allegations of favouritism in the squad, while team manager Wellington Mpandare who was influential in convincing Lunga to come and play for the Warriors could not be reached for a comment.
Zimbabwe needs a point in the remaining fixture against Congo at the National Sports Stadium to win the ticket to North Africa. The Warriors currently sit at the summit of the four team group that also features the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Liberia.
The group is still wide open with all the four teams still in with a chance of qualifying. The finals will be held between June 21 and July 19.
The group is still wide open with all the four teams still in with a chance of qualifying. The finals will be held between June 21 and July 19.
