Young Warriors out to impress

By The NewsDay | Nov. 29, 2011 | 2 Min read

National Under-20 soccer coach Taurai Mangwiro yesterday said they were hoping to surpass last year’s achievement when they participate in the Metropolitan Cosafa Under-20 Youth Championships which kicks off tomorrow in Gaborone, Botswana. The team is expected to fly out of the country today for the tournament which will last until December 10. Mangwiro told […]

The team is expected to fly out of the country today for the tournament which will last until December 10. Mangwiro told NewsDay Sport that they were expecting a tough challenge in the competition, but said they hoped to prevail after scooping bronze in last year’s competition.

“We have to be optimistic and do better than last year where we got a bronze medal. We will be up against Angola, Namibia and Madagascar, which are all strong teams, but we are looking forward to a good tournament and to getting good results as well,” he said.

Mangwiro said the tournament was vital. “As a coach, I feel that the tournament is important because it is a developmental platform. Most of the players from the senior national team have passed through such junior tournaments. I feel that we are on the right track as players like Ovidy Karuru, Tafadzwa Rusike and Lincoln Zvasiya have passed through such tournaments,” he said.

Team Goalkeepers: Elvis Muduwiwa (Sprouting Academy), Seeba Maponga (Kiglon) and Tonderai Mateyaunga (DC Academy).

Defenders: Edwin Nkomo (Bantu Rovers), Willard Kalongonda (DC Academy), Kudakwashe Mahachi (Bantu Rovers) Proud Zireni (Quelaton), Ozil Taruvinga Murerwa(FC Platinum), Humprey Murongazvombo (Dynamos).

Midfielders : Tichaona Mabvura (Dynamos), Nqobizitha Masuku (Bantu Rovers), Charles Mukanhairi (Blue Ribbon), Ronald Chitiyo (Monomotapa), Marvelous Nakamba ( Bantu Rovers)

Strikers: Trevor Mutero (Reading), Munyaradzi Muchenje (Highfield), Roy Mwenga(Buffaloes), Munyaradzi Chiwara (Gunners), Talent Chawapihwa (DSTV Rangers), Gabriel Nyoni (Shooting Stars).