The Sunday Mail
Sports Reporters
HOW Mine goalie Donovan Bernard did duty in the Warriors’ qualifying matches, while Tatenda Mukuruva has an ability to rise to the occasion, especially in high profile matches – as he proved when Zimbabwe beat Malawi 2-1 in an Afcon match last year.
Elvis Chipezeze’s league winning performances in Chicken Inn colours saw him being voted among the best players in the local league last season, and it will be a tough call for Kallisto Pasuwa as to who he chooses to safeguard the Warriors goal.
A toss of the coin cannot be ruled out.
Skipper Hardlife Zvirekwi, the only surviving member of the Class of 2014 and Dynamos’ roving left back Ocean “Gungwa” Mushure’s places in the starting XI look cast in stone.
Blessing “Bisto” Moyo who played at right back in the qualifiers and underrated Highlanders’ Bruce Kangwa can be a threat to the duo though.
In the absence of his trusted Teenage Hadebe, who between Stephen Makatuka and Elisha Muroiwa will Kallisto Pasuwa entrust to partner Lawrence Mhlanga at the heart of the Warriors defence?
Pasuwa has over the years proven to be a defensive minded gaffer who prefers a twin D-Link.
Captain Danny “Deco” Phiri was dropped through an ankle injury, Dynamos bound Tichaona Chipunza was omitted from the travelling party.
Can Pasuwa be tempted to tinker with the double defensive shield of midfield marshal Gerald “General” Takwara and box-to-box linkman Nqobizitha Masuku?
Ronald “Rooney” Chitiyo remains the best creative midfielder in the local league, his defence unlocking ability cannot questioned.
With stamina and height not one of his attributes, can Pasuwa be tempted to push the dazzling diminutive player to the wing?
Or, will Pasuwa opt for speed on the wings and go for FC Platinum’s speed merchant Marshal Mudehwe on the right channel.
Can Mudehwe replicate Kuda Mahachi’s swashbuckling show at the 2014 edition?
Pasuwa has never hidden his admiration for Edmore Chirambadare’s deft left foot, his eye for goal propelled Chicken Inn to a historic league championship.
Can Pasuwa ignore Chirambadare’s efficiency? Harare City’s William Manondo does not have the best of reputations but his work rate and an uncanny propensity for surprise shots at goal are some of his undervalued qualities.
Manondo looked sharp during the three-week camp and can offer a helping hand when the team is chasing possession.
Can the Mbare-born player sneak into Pasuwa’s starting XI?
Should Pasuwa opt for his favourite approach of using one target man, then the contest is between the 2015 Castle Lager Premier Soccer League Golden Boot winner Knox Mutizwa and big game player Rodreck Mutuma.
Can Pasuwa slot Mutizwa behind the striker, just like he did to Cuthbert Malajila when the Warriors drew 1-1 against Guinea in an Afcon qualifier played at Rufaro last September?
Or, will Pasuwa drop Mutuma from the starting line-up and go for Mutizwa as the lone gunman.
He might as well use them both as twin strikers.
The Sunday Mail Sports Reporters have their own choices and below they attempt to wear Pasuwa’s big shoes.
Makomborero Mutimukulu (4-4-2)
E Chipezeze, (RB) B Moyo, (CB) S Makatuka, (CB) L Mhlanga, (LB) O Mushure, (CDM) G Takwara, (CAM) R Chitiyo, (RM) H Zvirekwi, (LM) B Kangwa, (ST) R Mutuma, (ST) K Mutizwa
Langton Nyakwenda (4-2-3-1)
D. Bernard; H. Zvirekwi, S. Makatuka, L. Mhlanga, O. Mushure; G. Takwara, N. Masuku; R. Chitiyo, E. Chirambadare, K. Mutizwa; R. Mutuma
Ishemunyoro Chingwere (4-2-3-1)
T. Mukuruva; H. Zvirekwi, L. Mhlanga, E. Muroiwa, O. Mushure; G. Takwara, N. Masuku; R. Chitiyo, M. Mudehwe, W. Manondo; K. Mutizwa
