SIMBA RUSHWAYA
Nottingham-born Tendayi Darikwa will become one of the first Diaspora bred players to feature for the Warriors when Sunday Chidzambga’s side square off against the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in crucial back-to-back 2019 African Cup of Nations qualifiers in a fortnight.
Born to Zimbabwean expatriate parents, Darikwa was raised in the West Bridgford in the United Kingdom. He hardly knows the local culture and plays as a right back or winger for Nottingham Forest, a club in the second tier league.
Darikwa brings in the much needed foreign football exposure ahead of the two make-or-break ties against the Leopards, who have a huge cast featuring foreign based players who play in big leagues such as France, England and China.
Speaking to a local newspaper recently from London, Darikwa who acquired a Zimbabwean passport to be able to turn out for the Warriors two weeks ago, acknowledged the two matches against the Leopards were crucial.
“I am very excited and I cannot wait to travel to Zimbabwe. These are crucial games (against the DRC) because we have to get at least four points from these two matches.
“We have to qualify for the African Cup of Nations finals so we cannot afford to lose any of these two games. Everything is sorted and I will be travelling to Zimbabwe next weekend,” Darikwa said.
Zimbabwe will fly to Kinshasa on October 13, before hosting the Congolese in Harare three days later in two matches that will have a huge indicator on who is going to win the sole ticket to the finals hosted by Cameroon.
The Warriors top the group with four points after winning 3-0 at home against Liberia and a 1-1 draw away to Congo Brazzaville.
Chidzambga will also revel in the availability of Belgium midfielder Marvelous Nakamba, in-form Kaizer Chiefs’ Khama Billiat and captain Knowledge Musona who are expected to be the fulcrum of the team.
DRC are likely to recall their stars Cedric Bakambu, one of the top goalscorers in the Chinese Super League, former Chelsea midfielder Gael Kakuta now with La Liga side Rayo Vallecano and FC Porto defender Chancel Mbemba.
Everton’s Yannick Bolasie, Junior Kabananga of Astana and Stoke City forward Benik Afobe did not play for DRC in their last match, but there is no doubt they will be called to face the Warriors.
Warriors Squad Goalkeepers:
George Chigova (Polokwane City), Bernard Donovan (Ngezi Platinum), Edmore Sibanda (Witbank Stars)
Defenders:
Divine Lunga (Golden Arrows), Tendayi Darikwa (Nottingham Forest), Alec Mudimu (CEFN Druids), Ronald Pfumbidzai (Bloemfontein Celtic), Teenage Hadebe (Kaizer Chiefs), Kevin Moyo (FC Platinum), Eric Chipeta (Cape Umoya United),Byron Madzokere (Yadah)
Midfielders:
Marshall Munetsi (Orlando Pirates), Tafadzwa Kutinyu (Azam), Danisa Phiri (Golden Arrows), Richard Hachiro (Herentals), Leeroy Mavunga (Yadah), Ovidy Karuru (AmaZulu), Marvelous Nakamba (Club Brugge),
Strikers:
Khama Billiat (Kaizer Chiefs),Talent Chawapihwa (Baroka), Knowledge Musona (Anderlecht), Evans Rusike (Supersport), Knox Mutizwa (Golden Arrows).
