FC PLATINUM forward Charles Sibanda has bounced back into the Warriors after he was called up by coach Lloyd Mutasa as Zimbabwe prepares for an international friendly against the Flames of Malawi in Blantyre on May 25.
Sibanda was last called up for the 2014 World Cup qualifier against Guinea although he did not play.
The former Motor Action forward who has scored four goals for FC Platinum is one of the 18 players named yesterday.
He said he felt motivated.
“I am playing well at the moment and I feel motivated to be called to the national team. Through hard work and commitment, I won’t go wrong. I am looking forward to giving my best,” said Sibanda.
Team mate Ali Sadiki was also rewarded following a consistent performance with the Zvishavane-based side who are currently placed second on the league table.
Highlanders goalkeeper Munyaradzi Diya will also make the trip to Malawi with teammate Masimba Mambare, Hwange’s Eric Chipeta and Monomotapa’s Kuda Musharu also made the cut.
Team manager Sharrif Mussa said yesterday the team would assemble at Zifa House on May 22 after which they will travel to Malawi by road the next day.
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“The team will assemble at Zifa on 22 May and leave for Malawi the following day. They are scheduled to arrive in Malawi on 24 May and train at the match venue before playing the match on May 25. They will return home on 26 May,” said Mussa.
Mutasa will take charge of the Malawi tie in the absence of head coach Klaus Dieter Pagels who has family commitments.
The Warriors will be assisted by Under 23 mentor Peter Ndlovu and goalkeepers’ coach Nkululeko Dhlamini.
The Warriors coaches will have an opportunity to identify more players who can fit into the main team as they continue to rebuild a team that can compete for a place at the next African Cup of Nations finals in 2015 and also participate at the African Nations Championships (Chan) and the Cosafa tournament.
The Warriors are preparing for a World Cup qualifier against Egypt in Harare on June 25. However, Zimbabwe no longer have interest in the tournament after falling 2-1 to Egypt in the first leg in Alexandria in March.
But the coaches see the match as a good chance to assess their players as their rebuilding exercise continues.
Squad: M Nyamupangedengu, M Diya, H Zvirekwi, T Nyamandwe, M Mambare, O Mushure, A Sadiki, R Chitiyo, F Chindungwe, N Alifandika, P Matizanadzo, S Songani, D Chafa, C Sibanda, K Musharu, T Goredema, L Chibwiro, E Chipeta
