SPARTA Praha defender Costa Nhamoinesu was the first foreign-based star to jet into the country yesterday, while the rest were expected last night after Zifa finally sent them air tickets for the Group L 2017 Afcon qualifier against Guinea at Rufaro on Sunday.
BY TAWANDA TAFIRENYIKA
The players were expected to fly in on Monday night after the weekend games, but it emerged that Zifa had not sent them air tickets and Nhamoinesu had to use his own money to travel and was the only foreign-based player, who trained in the afternoon at Rufaro where coach Kalisto Pasuwa was also fine tuning the Under-23 team, which was scheduled to travel to the African Games in Congo Brazaville last night.
Pasuwa said he had received calls from all the foreign-based players confirming their availability after getting air tickets to travel for the match.
“All the players have been phoning me confirming they have finally received air tickets. They should be here tomorrow,” said Pasuwa.
Zifa spokesperson, Xolisani Gwesela said they were expecting all South African-based players last night after the players secured air tickets for the match, while Belgium-based Knowledge Musona and Sweden-based forward, Mathew Rusike are expected in the country today.
“All the South African-based players are expected in the country tonight (last night). They have all received their air tickets but Knowledge Musona and Mathew Rusike should arrive in the country the same day on Wednesday,” said Gwesela.
- 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
Rusike’s availability had been thrown into doubt after he failed to turn up for the Warriors for the match against Malawi in June. However, the player’s father, Philip yesterday said his son was committed to playing for the Warriors and all he was waiting for was an air ticket.
“He is committed to playing for the Warriors. What he is waiting for is just an air ticket from Zifa. As soon as he gets it, he is ready to jump onto the plane,” said Rusike.
The talented forward, who plays his club football for Halmstads BK in Sweden, scored a brace for his team a 4-2 defeat against Nyasha Mushekwi’s former club Djurgadens.
Rusike also scored in the match preceding that against Orebro.
The Warriors had a bright start in the Group L 2017 African Cup of Nations qualifying campaign, beating the Flames of Malawi 2-1 in their own backyard, while Guinea were stunned by Swaziland.
Zimbabwe are joint leaders in Group L with Swaziland on three points and need to win at home to enhance their chances of qualification for the finals.
Meanwhile, Pasuwa was forced to make further adjustments to the squad scheduled to play at the Congo, Brazaville African Games after some players were withdrawn by their clubs.
Some of the withdrawn players include the FC Platinum trio of Kelvin Moyo, Marshall Mudehwe and Gerald Takwara and the Dynamos pair of goalkeeper, Tatenda Mukurva and midfielder, Carlos Rusere.
Pasuwa had to rope in some players from Division One including Abel Gwatidzo, and Emmanuel Takwira.
