Covid-19 haunts Warriors
. . . Galloway commits to Zim
ZDRAVKO LOGARUSIC will have to wait a bit to announce the Warriors squad for Afcon qualifiers against Botswana and Zambia next month as some of the clubs are still to clear players on the Croat’s wishlist.
Zifa, through manager Wellington Mpandare, wrote to the clubs inviting players for national duty and as of yesterday, the progress was not convincing.
Logarusic was expected to announce the squad early this week, but reports reaching H-Metro are that some of the clubs — particularly in Europe are yet to respond.
This leaves the Croat with two options — either announce a skeletal squad or wait for official communication from the teams stating their position.
In an interview with H-Metro yesterday, Mpandare said they have been forced to delay announcing the squad.
“The squad will not be announced today (Tuesday) or early as we expected. The coach will have to wait a little bit because we are yet to get responses from some of the clubs,” said Mpandare.
Mpandare said as it stands, players based in England — including Marvelous Nakamba, Jordan Zemura, Admiral Muskwe and Tendayi Darikwa — are doubtful for the encounters.
“It’s either we announce it (squad) without the guys based in England. As it stands it’s uncertain that the guys will make it but still we are still waiting for other players to get clearance.
“We are making progress, we have been waiting for weeks now,” he said.
It also emerged Zifa is yet to get responses on the availability of captain Knowledge Musona and Khama Billiat who are still nursing injuries.
H-Metro heard Brendan Zibusiso Galloway has committed to play for Zimbabwe and is part of Loga’s list. The Zimbabwean-born full-back, now at Luton Town, has been on Warriors radar for some time now.
“Musona and Billiat are also of concern since they are still injured. Galloway has also committed and has been in touch with the coach.
“He just needs his passport to be renewed and is likely to be available for these two encounters against Botswana and Zambia,” revealed a source.
H-Metro is reliably informed Loga has drafted a 31-man wishlist which has four local-based players — Nelson Chadya, Farau Matare, Shadreck Nyahwa and Carlos Mavhurume.
Some of the players expected to make a return include Martin Mapisa, Thabani Kamusoko, Tanaka Chinyahara and Terrence Dzvukamanja.
Malaysia-based defender Victor Kamhuka, Romario Matova, Adam Chicksen, Talbert Shumba, Elvis Chipezeze, Kuda Mahachi, David Moyo and Prince Dube are expected to make the squad.
Alec Mudimu, Teenage Hadebe, Divine Lunga, Jimmy Dzingai, Marshall Munetsi, Ovidy Karuru and Tino Kadewere are also on the list.