Ajax Cape Town and Warriors star Khama Billiat was due in Harare last night for tomorrow’s international friendly match against South Africa at Rufaro Stadium.
His teammate, Tafadzwa Rusike, misses out due to injury.
There had been concerns last week that Zifa had communicated late with Ajax over the release of Billiat, but Warriors manager Sharif Mussa said all had been sorted out.
“I spoke to the player, his club and his manager and everything is now in order. He is coming tonight (last night). Rusike is out due to an injury and am not sure if we will replace him.
“Of course, there were problems here and there and that is one area we need to improve on in terms of communication,” Mussa said yesterday. All the players were due in last night ahead of the match whose competitiveness has been cast in doubt after Bafana Bafana arrived yesterday afternoon without at least eight of the team’s regulars.
“I’m not taking Kagisho Dikgacoi, Tsepo Masilela, Siphiwe Tshabalala, Steven Pienaar, Anele Ngcongca, Siboniso Gaxa, Siyabonga Sangweni and Reneilwe Letsholonyane,” Mosimane revealed yesterday after the 1-1 draw against Ivory Coast in the Nelson Mandela Challenge on Saturday.
“Let’s see what Siyabonga Nontshinga, George Lebese and Bradley Grobler can offer us. I have to play Punch (Masenamela) in Zimbabwe to let me see what he has for the team.
“For me this is a game that we will give players first caps, so let’s give the younger ones a chance,” Mosimane said.
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On Saturday, an own-goal from Siboniso Gaxa left the Elephants a goal up at half-time, but Bafana replied through an excellent free-kick from Katlego Mphela to leave honours even at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.
The Ivorians controlled the game in the first half, enjoying a great share of possession, but it was South Africa who created the better goalscoring opportunities.
On the quarter-hour mark a great pass from Reneilwe Letsholonyane gave Mphela a chance to put the hosts into the lead but, under pressure from Kolo Touré, his low shot was tame and easily saved by goalkeeper Boubacar Barry.
Morgan Gould then forced Barry into producing an excellent save on 30 minutes, heading on goal from Siphiwe Tshabalala’s free-kick, only to see the Elephants’ goalie keep it out with some sharp reactions at his near post.
