NORMAN Mapeza has gone for continuity as his tenure as Warriors interim head coach has started with the announcement of a 24-man squad for the back to back FIFA World Cup 2022 Qualifiers against Ghana early next month.
The Warriors will play away to Ghana on October 9 and then host the Black Stars at the National Sports Stadium three days later.
There are no majors surprises in the playing personnel called up to the Warriors squad headlined by the England based players who could not make it for the two ties against South Africa and Ethiopia because Zimbabwe is in the United Kingdom’s Covid-19 red list.
Aston Villa midfielder Marvelous Nakamba, Brendan Galloway, Jordan Zemura and Tendayi Darikwa are the England based quartet called up to the squad.
As expected, Mapeza did not make wholesale changes but has selected the bulk of the players that played under Zvradko Logarusic.
Most football analysts had argued that the Croat, with his defensive mindset, could not bring the best out of a laden attack squad. Therefore, it comes as no surprise that Mapeza has retained the bulk of the players.
However, there is no place for former CAPS United player Tafadzwa Rusike in the midfield department and Jonah Fabisch who have not been called up.
Kelvin Madzongwe, who has been spearheading FC Platinum midfield in the African Safari, has been rewarded with a Warriors call up. There is also a place in defence for Madzongwe’s teammate, Rahman Kutsanzira.
Olympique Lyon striker Tinotenda Kadewere is still recovering from an injury he suffered in the first match of the qualifiers against South Africa at the National Sports Stadium.
Mapeza and his technical team are in a quandary and may have to field two different teams for the two legs if the English clubs have their way of only allowing their players to play the Ghana leg of the qualifiers.
Zifa, in a statement released by Zimbabwe Football Association Communications and Competitions Manager, Xolisani Gwesela, said the mother body was still negotiating with the English clubs to release the players for both legs.
“England-based clubs have pledged to release requested players for the away tie in Ghana because the venue is not on England’s COVID-19 red list like Zimbabwe. Negotiations are still
ongoing to also get the players to be available for the home match in Harare,” said Gwesela.
SQUAD
Goalkeepers
Martin Mapisa (Zamora CF), Talbert Shumba (Free State Stars), Washington Arubi (Marumo Gallants).
Defenders
Alec Mudimu (Torpedo Kutaisi), Brendan Galloway (Plymouth Argyle), Bruce Kangwa (Azam), Jordan Zemura (AFC Bournemouth), Onismor Bhasera (SuperSport United), Rahman Kutsanzira (FC Platinum), Teenage Hadebe (Houston Dynamo), Tendayi Darikwa (Wigan Athletic).
Midfielders
Blessing Sarupinda (Sekhukhune United), Farai Madhanaga (Marumo Gallants), Kelvin Madzongwe (FC Platinum), Khama Billiat (Kaizer Chiefs), Kudakwashe Mahachi (SuperSport United), Marshall Munetsi (Stade de Reims), Marvelous Nakamba (Aston Villa), Never Tigere (Azam), Perfect Chikwende (Simba SC), Thabani Kamusoko (Zesco United).
Strikers
Knowledge Musona (Al-Tai), Knox Mutizwa (Lamontville Golden Arrows), Terrence Dzvukamanja (Orlando Pirates).
