ZIMBABWE senior men’s soccer team kick start their World Cup campaign with a date against rivals, South Africa, in a Group G qualifier to be played before an empty stadium at National Sports Stadium this afternoon.
The kick-off time is 3 pm.
It is a battle of the expatriates with Zimbabwe coach Zdravko Logarusic under pressure following a string of defeats would love to endear himself with the local fans and football stakeholders one more time.
The Croatian has only one win since he took over from Joey Antipas, a crucial 0-1 win over Botswana that subsequently delivered the Warriors ticket for the Africa Cup of Nations finals scheduled for Cameroon in January.
On the other hand, South Africa’s Belgian coach Hugo Broos would be itching to justify the faith thrust upon him as he takes charge of his first competitive match since replacing Molefi Ntseki in May.
Ghana and Ethiopia are the other two teams that makeup Group G.
The Warriors are high in confidence despite missing out on the UK based players. They have enough arsenal in all fields.
Marvelous Nakamba, who turns out for Aston Villa field to travel for the match, die to Covid-19 travel restrictions in the UK. Luton Town’s Admiral Muskwe, Brendan Galloway, Jordan Zemura of Bournemouth, Ipswich’s Macauley, and newly appointed Reading captain Tendayi Darikwa have been ruled out of this afternoon’s clash due to travel restrictions on the UK.
Captain Knowledge Musona is home to lead his charges. He will be supported up front by talisman and Kaizer Chiefs forward Khama Billiat and Lyon striker Tino Kadewere who reported for camp.
Stade Reims defensive link man who sometimes plays in defence, Marshall Munetsi from brushing shoulder against newly signed PSG god of football, Lionel Messi also manages to make the trip and provide cover at the middle of the park.
Zimbabwe are eyeing their maiden World Cup appearance, while South Africa will be vying for a fourth appearance after featuring in 1998, 2002 and 2010, where they were participating hosts.
ZIMBABWE Warriors training squad
Goalkeepers
Washington Arubi (Marumo Gallants), Talbert Shumba (Free State Stars), Martin Mapisa (Zamora CF)
Defenders
Onismor Bhasera (SuperSport United), Divine Lunga (Mamelodi Sundowns), Takudzwa Chimwemwe (Nkana), Alec Mudimu (Torpedo Kutaisi), Godknows Murwira (Dynamos), Kelvin Moyo (Nkana), William Stima (FC Platinum)
Midfielders
Blessing Sarupinda (Sekhukhune United), Jonah Fabisch (Hamburger SV), Marshall Munetsi (Stade de Reims), Tafadzwa Rusike, Thabani Kamusoko (Zesco United), Kudakwashe Mahachi (SuperSport United), Khama Billiat (Kaizer Chiefs), Perfect Chikwende (Simba Stars) Ishmael Wadi (JDR Stars), Farai Madhananga (Marumo Gallants), Silas Songani FC Platinum), Knowledge Musona (Al-Tai)
Strikers
Terrence Dzvukamanja (Orlando Pirates), Tinotenda Kadewere (Olympique Lyon),
