WARRIORS coach, Kalisto Pasuwa has decided against tinkering with the squad that beat Swaziland with, Orlando Pirates striker Tendai Ndoro and unheralded Poland-based midfielder, Andrew Gwaze being the only notable additions to the group team that will prepare for the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations football qualifier against Malawi on June 5.
BY TAWANDA TAFIRENYIKA
Pasuwa also recommended that Mkhuphali Masuku be one of his assistants.
Triangle goalkeeper, Tapiwa Chilenga has also been called up for the must-win match.
The Warriors gaffer yesterday said he had been monitoring Gwaze, who plays his club football in Poland for relegated Gornik Zabrez.
“He has played for Monomotapa before and I have been monitoring him. I have some videos of the matches he has played in. We have an open door policy and there is no one who is guaranteed a place in the team,” Pasuwa said.
However, a closer look reveals the Zimbabwean international made just one appearance for his team, which has since been relegated from the Polish top-tier league.
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Ndoro has been in top form for Orlando Pirates, scoring five league goals in 10 starts. He comes in as direct competition to Nyasha Mushekwi, who has also been doing well, scoring five goals in nine league matches in the Chinese second-tier league.
But there were no places for goalkeeper Washington Arubi and defender Partson Jaure, with Warriors team manager Shariff Mussa saying their club, Pretoria University, had requested they be excused, as they were involved in relegation/promotion playoffs. Chippa United defender Eric Chipeta, who struggled in the 1-1 draw against Swaziland in Mbabane, was also dropped.
The Warriors are expected to play against Uganda in a friendly match next Tuesday, which they will use as a dress rehearsal for the match against Malawi.
“Uganda are a very strong team, they are ranked above us and they will give us a good practice match,” Pasuwa said.
The Warriors are set to go into camp on Sunday ahead of the Tuesday friendly.
Zimbabwe lead Group L with eight points and can qualify for the biennial soccer showcase if they beat Malawi at home and Guinea fail to beat Swaziland.
Swaziland and Guinea are tied on five points each, with Malawi at the foot of the table with just a point to show for their efforts. The Flames no longer have an interest in the tournament, but Pasuwa warned against complacency by his charges.
He said Zimbabwe had endured the disappointment of being the nearly men of African football, as they had often fallen at the last hurdle.
“It’s one area we need to knock sense into the players to be serious because we have a history of falling at the last hurdle,” Pasuwa said.
The Warriors coach also named the Cosafa squad, with Rodreck Mutuma and Ronald Chitiyo being sacrificed. Caps United midfielder, Joel Ngodzo has also been overlooked, while Tapiwa Chilenga will not take part in the Cosafa tournament.
2017 Afcon qualifier squad: Goalkeepers: Tatenda Mukuruva, Bernard Donovan, Tapiwa Chilenga
Defenders: Costa Nhamoinesu, Lawrence Mhlanga, Hardlife Zvirekwi, Bruce Kangwa, Onismo Bhasera, Elisha Muroiwa, Teenage Hadebe, Blessing Moyo
Midfielders: Willard Katsande, Marvellous Nakamba, Danny Phiri, Kuda Mahachi, Marshall Mudehwe, Farai Madhanhanga, Tafadzwa Kutinyu, Andre Gwaze
Strikers: Knowledge Musona, Nyasha Mushekwi, Evans Rusike, Mathew Rusike, Khama Billiat, Cuthbert Malajila, Tendai Ndoro.
Cosafa squad; Goalkeepers: Tatenda Mukuruva, Bernard Donovan, Nelson Chadya
Defenders: Hardlife Zvirekwi, Blessing Moyo, Bruce Kangwa, Ronald Pfumbidzai, Lawrence Mhlanga, Teenage Hadebe, Elisha Muroiwa, William Sitima
Midfielders: Marshall Mudehwe, Danny Phiri, Nqobizitha Masuku, Farai Madhanhanga, Raphael Manuvire, King Nadolo, Talent Chawapiwa, Hillary Bakacheza, Tafadzwa Kutinyu,
Strikers: Mitchell Katsvairo, William Manondo, Walter Musona, Charlton Shumba, Obadiah Tarumbwa.
