Young Warriors coach Jairos Tapera will bank on the experience of Willard Kalongonda and Kudakwashe Mahachi to give his team a good start when they host the Young Zebras of Botswana in an Under-20 African Championships first round, first leg football qualifier at Barbourfields on Saturday.
Kalongonda, who has been handed the captain’s armband for the weekend match, has Premiership experience playing for Harare City while vice-captain Mahachi plays for Chicken Inn.
The Dynamos duo of Brian Five and Farai Mupasiri are also in the squad.
With a side boasting of players featuring at the highest level of local soccer, Tapera knows his side will not be lacking in experience.
And the 46-year-old coach feels that could be a vital factor in the match.
“I have Willard and Kuda who are playing regular Premiership football so the team is not short of experience. Hopefully the guys will lead and help some of the youngsters in the team,” said Tapera.
The Young Warriors squad arrived in Bulawayo on Tuesday night from Harare where they had been camped for the past week.
They beat Chicken Inn 2-0 in a friendly match at Gifford High School in a match which Tapera said he would use to select his final 18 squad.
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“I have a very balanced squad and there is a lot of competition for positions, which is good for the team. I will announce the final 18 team tomorrow (today) morning.
“The preparations have gone well so far and we are hoping that the boys will keep the good spirit in camp until the match day,” added Tapera.
“I have been in soccer for more than 20 years now, as a player and as a coach, but it is always an honour to coach the national team. That will not put me under pressure though.
“Being appointed to the post is actually a motivation and I will do my best to take the team forward,” said the former FC Platinum coach.
The Botswana delegation was expected in the country yesterday.
If Zimbabwe win the two-legged tie, they will then face Angola in July in the second round of the competition. The second round winner will then progress to the third and final round of the qualifiers whose finals will be staged in Algeria early next year.
Young Warriors squad: Goalkeepers: Rodrick Madzongwe, Tonderai Mateyaunga. Defenders: Elvis Moyo, Kelvin Moyo, Admire Dzumbunu, Liberty Chakoroma, Vincent Mbira, Nqobizitha Masuku, Lawrence Mhlanga, Willard Kalongoda. Midfielders: Farai Madora, Edmore Tsoro, Brian Five, Tatenda Dzumbunu, Munya Chiwara, Tino Muswe, Chrispen Ncube, Kudakwashe Mahachi, Elton Dzinondiro. Strikers: Mike Ngwenya, Farai Mupasiri, Pritchard Mgcini, Tatenda Munapi.
