HIGHLANDERS’ in-form attacker Mongameli Tshuma has been handed a Warriors call-up for the Mukuru Four Nations Tournament set for Francistown, Botswana, this weekend, capping an impressive start to his Bosso career.
Tshuma’s inclusion comes after a string of eye-catching performances in the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League, where he has featured in four matches against Bulawayo Chiefs, Dynamos, MWOS and Simba Bhora.
The Warriors, currently camped in Bulawayo, will tomorrow take on Highlanders in an exhibition match at Barbourfields Stadium as part of Zifa’s tribute to the club’s centenary celebrations, before travelling to Botswana.
National team coach Marian Marinica has drafted Tshuma into the squad alongside Washington Navaya (Hardrock), Jarrison Selemani and Godknows Murwira (both FC Platinum) as replacements for injured players.
Zimbabwe will be without several key players, including former captain Knowledge Musona, Scotland-based Tawanda Maswanhise, Tanzania-based Prince Dube, and Thando Ngwenya (AmaZulu, South Africa), all sidelined due to injury.
Tshuma has already made his mark at Highlanders, scoring a stunning goal in a 2-2 draw against Dynamos and putting in another standout performance in a goalless draw against MWOS at Barbourfields Stadium last Wednesday.
His displays have drawn praise from MWOS coach Lloyd Mutasa, who likened the youngster to a national great.
“It was reasonable to look at that young boy (Tshuma) who came from Hwange. What a brilliant player ,” Mutasa said.
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“He reminds us of the great Peter Ndlovu. If he gets more games, he will shine at Barbourfields.”
Marinica said the Four Nations tournament offers a crucial platform to assess emerging talent as he begins building a squad for future assignments.
“We are now preparing for the tournament, which has major stakes because it affects Fifa rankings and offers a trophy,” he said.
“We will only have two (training) sessions with everyone.
“We want to have a blend of experience, youth, and enthusiasm — bringing in new faces.
“We want to give them the opportunity this tournament provides to shine, just like in the past.”
He added that the long-term focus is on assembling a team capable of qualifying for the 2030 World Cup.
“We want the players to prove they can be the backbone of the future Warriors,” Marinica said.
“We have major objectives, particularly to qualify for the 2030 World Cup, and to achieve that, you have to start building now. This tournament is important, and we are taking it extremely
seriously.”
By midday yesterday, Andrew Mbeba, Tshuma, Navaya and goalkeeper Elvis Chipezeze had reported for camp, with the squad expected to hold a light training session later in the day.
Squad
Goalkeepers: Elvis Chipezeze (Magesi FC), Future Sibanda (ZPC Kariba), Marley Tavaziva (Brentford)
Defenders: Andrew Mbeba (Highlanders), Emmanuel Jalai (Durban City), Corbin Mthunzi (Ipswich Town), Munashe Garananga (Hibernian), Gerald Takwara (Al Minaa), Isheanesu Mauchi (Chippa United), Teenage Hadebe (FC Cincinnati), Shane Maroodza (Sarajevo)
Midfielders: Bill Antonio (KV Mechelen), Junior Zindoga (TS Galaxy), Marvelous Nakamba (Sheffield Wednesday), Jonah Fabisch (FC Erzgebirge Aue), Panashe Makwiramiti (Haverfordwest), Prosper Padera (SJK Seinäjoki)
Forwards: Mongameli Tshuma (Highlanders), Daniel Musendami (Orlando Pirates), Jarrison Selemani (FC Platinum), Washington Navaya (Hardrock), Macauley Bonne (Billericay), Thando Ngwenya (AmaZulu)
