Heavy blow:
BELGIUM-based midfielder Marvelous Nakamba has been ruled out of the COSAFA Cup, dealing the Warriors a blow as they seek to set another record at the regional competition by winning a sixth title.
The COSAFA Cup is scheduled for South Africa’s Limpopo province from May 27-June 9.
The Club Brugge midfielder, who helped his side win the Belgian Jupiler and a place in the UEFA Champiions League, will not be part of the Warriors because of a knee injury incurred during his team’s assignment last week.
“We saw the medical report which the club sent and we understand he picked an injury during training,’’ said Mpandare.
“He is a key member of the national team who has always shown his commitment to his country and when we went for the four-nation tournament in Zambia, he had an injury, but he soldiered on and played.
“When we went to Lesotho and Namibia for friendlies he was also there and we don’t doubt his commitment. We would want a fit Marvelous for national duty.
“We will start camp on Thursday, but because there are some midweek PSL matches, the local players will only join the team after Sunday’s matches.’’
Newboy Marshal Munetsi is relishing the opportunity of playing at the COSAFA Cup tournament.
The combative Orlando Pirates midfielder believes the senior team could benefit from the lessons learnt during their Four-Nation Invitational adventure in Zambia. Munetsi, who began his career with Desmund Ali’s Ali Sundowns in Mabvuku, said he was now itching to also add his name among the list of Warriors to have won the COSAFA Cup.
“Firstly, I would like to thank God for everything and also the people who have assisted me in my career to be able to fulfil my dream of representing my country,’’ he said. “I would also like to thank national team coach Chidzambwa for calling me to the squad full of good players.
“The feeling I have now is great after getting this opportunity to give the best for my country.’’
He noted that the Warriors would have to maintain their concentration levels right to the death in order to succeed in Limpopo.
“We conceded some goals right at the end (in Zambia), but I think the main issue was not scoring enough . . . we created a lot of chances, but we didn’t score and in football if you don’t score you are bound to concede last-minute goals. So I think we have to improve on that,’’ Munetsi said.
Munetsi said he had also heard of Chidzambwa’s proud COSAFA Cup record in which the former Dynamos mentor has never lost a match in the competition.
“I have heard about his record and I have always been a great fan of his work ever since I was young and we should help keep his COSAFA Cup record intact,’’ Munetsi said.
A tall midfielder, who stands at 1,87 metres, Munetsi also said he was relishing the importunity of playing Champions League football with 1995 winners Orlando Pirates. The Buccaneers have been on a revival mission since the return of much-travelled Serbian coach Milutin “Micho’’ Sredojevic to the Soweto giants.
“It was a very good season in which we were also able to compete for the league and restoring the pride of Orlando Pirates and finishing in a better position than last season, but most of all, I learned a lot from the coaches who helped to up my game to the next level.
“It feels great to be able to achieve Champions League qualification and being part of the team to represent this great club,’’ Munetsi said.
Meanwhile, skipper Knowledge Musona scored for his Belgian club KV Oostende on a 3-1 win over Antwerp at the weekend.
Another Zimbabwe international forward, Nyasha Mushekwi, scored two of the goals that powered Chinese side Dalian Yifang to a 2-1 win over Guizhou Hengfen in a league match.
Mushekwi was initially deemed surplus to requirements at the club by the coach, but has forced his way into the team and is now scoring regularly. His winning goal came in the 89th minute. Mushekwi has become a regular since former Real Madrid coach Ben Schuster arrived just three games into the season.