TAWANDA MARWIZI
The Zimbabwe senior men’s national soccer team is expected to leave the country today for their Africa Cup of Nations clash against Congo Brazzaville on Sunday.
Though coach Sunday Chidzambwa’s squad was crippled with injuries and some technical glitches, he still has a wider selection as most of the foreign based players have reported for training.
Most players that include skipper Knowledge Musona, Tafadzwa Kutinyu,Khama Billiat, Eric Chipeta and Talent Chawapiwa, among other South Africa based players reported for training early this week.
The team is camped at Yadah Hotel and manager Wellington Mpandare said the players were in high spirits and ready to roll.
The team is currently on top of the group after beating Liberia 3-0 at the National Sports Stadium under caretaker coach Norman Mapeza.
“The mood is high in camp and the players are ready to give their best ahead of the game. The coach is also happy that he has a wide selection,” he said.
The trio of Tendai Darikwa, Aadam Chicksen and Kelly Lunga could not make it after the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) failed to regularize their travelling documents on time.
Locally, goalkeeper Donovan Bernard from Ngezi Platinum, Talbert Shumba from Chapungu, defenders Kevin Moyo from log leaders FC Platinum, Byron Madzokerere from Yadah, Liberty Chakoroma from Ngezi Platinum are tipped to make the cut.
The two teams have met before and their 1991 encounter quickly comes into mind with goalkeeper John Sibanda’s late howler shattering Zimbabwe’s dream to make their maiden qualification at the tourney.
It remains to be seen if the Warriors will maintain their fine run.
