The Zimbabwe national technical team has announced a 19 man squad to take on Malawi in an AFCON 2017 qualifier on Saturday.
The squad has 10 foreign based players including in-form Sweden based striker Nyasha Mushekwi who has been on-fire for his team Djurgardens and currently tops the goal scoring charts.
The preparations have had a late start due to issues between ZIFA and national team coach Callisto Pasuwa. Pasuwa has been working without a contract while not being remunerated for his services among other issues.
The squad announcement will finally allow preparations to kick off but the team will have little time to prepare for the game.
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) and if the situation demands for any changes initially selected playerts ZIFA will advise the nation as it happens.
“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,” revealed Gwesela.
Zimbabwe and Malawi were drawn alongside Guinea and Swaziland in Group I. Group winners automatically proceed to the tournament to be hosted by Gabon while the two best runners up will also qualify.
Pasuwa will continue working with his technical team from the national Under23 namely Soul Chaminyuka, 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.
