Nabil to miss Cosafa Under-17

YOUNG WARRIORS defender Ismael Nabil is the likely casualty in Moses Chunga’s final Under17 squad for the trip to Mauritius today for the COSAFA Under-17 championship.

The defender was taken ill yesterday. The teenage footballer was included in the travelling party set to leave today for the Indian Ocean island.

However, he did not train with his teammates yesterday.

The Young Warriors will be captained by Peterhouse striker Tinotendaishe Benza with St Ignatius’ Victor Chipangura deputising.

According to team doctor Benson Tapuwa Karongo, Nabil is suffering from a bout of suspected malaria.

“I don’t think he will make it in time for the trip. We have been monitoring him, but it seems we are running out of time.

“We hoped for the best that he recovers in time, but after today’s (yesterday) assessment we are left with no option,” said Karongo.

Chunga said they had planned for such cases.

“We have been prepared for such issues and we have replacements and the one coming on to replace Nabil is just as good.

“He is someone who can do the same job and I hope they will not lose focus because of this minor disturbance.

“But we are geared up for the tournament and everyone is raring to go. It is good experience for the youngsters and I believe they will learn one or two things from the tournament.

“We are now ready for the event,’’ said Chunga.

Zimbabwe is in Group A which also has the hosts Mauritius, Botswana and Malawi who named their final squad yesterday.

Group B will have South Africa, Mozambique, Zambia and Madagascar.

Squad

Goalkeepers: Peter Mushure, Tafadzwa Chirimba

Defenders: Desire Huwani, Albert Munopfukutwa, Tinotenda Muringai, Mannered Matsikidze, Ismail Nabil, Munashe Chakuchichi

Midfielders: Victor Chipangura, Takunda Manyuchi, Calum English-Brown, Charlton Nyahanana, Blessmore Mureremba, Kyle Nathanson, Taurayi Tugwete.

Strikers: Kuzivakwashe Gwasira, Shaun Matika, Madalitso Chunga, Delroy Lingililani, Tinotendaishe Benza.

Technical team: Moses Chunga (head coach), Tafadzwa Mashiri (assistant coach) Jabulani Zwangobani (manager), Benson Tapuwa Karongo (doctor).