KALISTO Pasuwa faces a crisis in defence ahead of the Under-23 African Championship qualifier against Swaziland with his backline including goalkeeper Tatenda Mukuruva missing from the team’s first training session at Hellenic Sports Club yesterday.
BY TAWANDA TAFIRENYIKA
Dynamos defender Blessing Moyo, Liberty Chakoroma (Buffaloes), Highlanders’ Teenage Hadebe and Caps United full-back Ronald Pfumbidzai also did not report for training with reports suggesting Dynamos have held onto their two players ahead of their league fixture against Tsholotsho on Monday.
While Pasuwa was expecting Pfumbidzai, who is on trials in Denmark with Hobro IK, on Friday just in time for the match, the player revealed late yesterday he was no longer able to feature in the match as the club wanted more time to assess him.
“We have a challenge in the goalkeeping position as you can see we trained without a goalkeeper this morning. Tatenda Mukuruva was supposed to be here, but Dynamos held on to him. I have been thinking of bringing back Bernard Donovan from South Africa, but again he is already accredited for the tournament and I might consider Caps United keeper Chris Mverechena.
“Dynamos also said they couldn’t release Blessing Moyo. They want the players for the weekend games, so we have a problem in defence. We shouldn’t make a lot of changes in defence but, it’s not like we are building and then start again.
“Chakoroma was supposed to be here, but he has not reported for duty and I don’t know why. We have now roped in youngster Edwin Madhanaga from Flame Lily. Kuda Mahachi has arrived, but is still in Bulawayo and I am expecting him tomorrow (today). I am still expecting Macauley Bonne from England, but there is a challenge in securing an air ticket for him,” Pasuwa said.
The Young Warriors coach also said he was worried by the fitness levels of some of his players.
- Chamisa under fire over US$120K donation
- Mavhunga puts DeMbare into Chibuku quarterfinals
- Pension funds bet on Cabora Bassa oilfields
- Councils defy govt fire tender directive
Keep Reading
“This is why I brought in a fitness trainer (Majaha Ndlovu). Some of them have not been playing regularly for their respective clubs, coming in mostly as substitutes,” Pasuwa said.
“Their fitness level is very low and to work on that takes our training time. We have very few days to train and this really affects the whole training programme,” Pasuwa added.
