Zimbabwe coach Kalisto Pasuwa has named a 19 member senior national team squad ahead of Saturday’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Malawi in Blantyre.
The Warriors head coach selected 10 players plying their trade abroad including Nyasha Mushekwi who is currently making headlines with his goal scoring prowess in Sweden.
Pasuwa granted first senior team call ups to seven Young Warriors who were part of the team that qualified for the Congo 2015 Africa Games and is still to lose a competitive match.
Chicken Inn’s Danny Phiri and Justice Jangano from Yadah Gunners complete the Warriors squad to kick-start the dream of qualifying for Africa’s biggest football showpiece since 2006.
Phiri, Jangano, Bernard Donovan and Partson Jaure are the only players who were in the Zimbabwe team which played at this year’s COSAFA cup.
It will be a sweet return to the national team for Knowledge Musona, Willard Katsande and Cuthbert Malajila since the ill-fated AFCON qualifier against Tanzania in June 2014.
ZIFA Spokesperson Xolisani Gwesela told the association’s official website www.zifa.org.zw that training will commence on Wednesday.
“Players are expected to start trooping into camp today (Tuesday) and training begins tomorrow (Wednesday).
“We will announce their travel arrangements in due course.
“We would have wanted a longer period for preparations, but as we have always said, our plans are hampered by lack of financial resources hence ZIFA is in dire need of government and corporate support.
“Glory can only come when national teams are fully funded. Regardless of the challenges, we are confident of scooping a positive result against Malawi,” he said.
Gwesela added that if there may be alterations to the squad, the association will duly inform the public.
“If the situation demands for any changes on the initially selected players ZIFA will advise the nation as it happens,” he added.
Pasuwa will continue working with his technical team from the national Under 23 namely Soul Chaminuka, Nation Dube and Tembo Chuma, the goalkeepers’ coach.
Warriors squad
Bernard Donovan, Tatenda Mkuruva, Blessing Moyo, Patson Jaure, Eric Chipeta, Teenage Hadebe, Justin Jangano, Ronald Pfumbidzai, Danny Phiri, Willard Katsande, Gerald Takwara, Wisdom Mtasa, Khama Billiat, Kudakwashe Mahachi, Marvelous Nakamba, Knowledge Musona, Nyasha Mushekwi, Mathew Rusike, Cuthbert Malajila
