The Sunday Mail
Sports Reporter
UNCERTAINITY over the availability of some foreign-based players has forced Warriors coach, Zdravko Logarušić, to name an enlarged 38-man provisional squad for the upcoming 2022 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Botswana and Zambia set for next month.
Logarušić who is believed to be currently in his native country of Croatia following the expiration of his passport early this month, also had to delay naming his squad as he awaited feedback from Zifa on communication from some of the players’ clubs.
The Warriors coach revealed Thursday that due to Covid-19 regulations, and injury scares, the technical department had to increase the number of players in the training squad.
“Usually, our list of players should be made up of 28 players, that is 3 goalkeepers and 25 in-field players.
“However, we made it much bigger because we are facing a few (potential) problems.
“We don’t know what (the situation) will be in England, Spain and USA because some clubs have declined to release players because of the Covid-19 policies there,” said the Croat.
The Croat also faces another headache as 10 of the regular Warriors are in doubt for the crucial qualifier matches set for March 25 and 29 respectively. Zimbabwe will play Botswana first before hosting Zambia.
“We have more than 10 players whose availability is in doubt. We have problems with some injured regular players whom we used in our games against Algeria, especially Khama (Billiat), (Marshall) Munetsi and Knowledge Musona,” said Loga.
With 14 members of the Warriors Chan squad testing positive ahead of the Chan tournament held last month, Logarusic has opted to err on the side of caution.
“We have had to call up more players in case some test positive for Covid-19 whilst in camp. We will select a team for the game against Botswana leaving some players in the country in case we lose some players before the game against Zambia,” said Loga.
Zimbabwe Squad
Goalkeepers: Talbert Shumba (Nkana), Tatenda Mkuruva (Michigan Stars), Ariel Sibanda
(Highlanders), Martin Mapisa (Zamora CF)
Defenders: Jordan Zemura (AFC Bournemouth), Jimmy Dzingai (Nkana), Alec Mudimu
(Ankaraspor), Teenage Hadebe (Yeni Malatyaspor), Divine Lunga (Lamontville
Golden Arrows), Tendai Jirira (Detroit City), Tendayi Darikwa (Wigan Athletic),
Brendan Galloway (Luton Town), Victor Kamhuka (Royal Malaysia Police), Romario Matova (NK Solin), Peter Muduwa (Simba SC), Carlos Mavhurume (Caps United), Shadreck Nyahwa (Bulawayo Chiefs).
Midfielders: Marshall Munetsi (Stade de Reims), Marvelous Nakamba (Aston Villa), Butholezwe Ncube (Amazulu), Ovidy Karuru (Black Leopards), Khama Billiat (Kaizer Chiefs),
Tafadzwa Rusike (Zesco United), Brian Banda (FC Platinum), King Nadolo (Dynamos), Kudakwashe Mahachi (SuperSport United), Thabani Kamusoko (Zesco United), Knowledge Musona (KAS Eupen), Tatenda Tavengwa (Harare City), Tanaka Chinyahara (Red Arrows).
Strikers: Terrence Dzvukamanja (Orlando Pirates), Tinotenda Kadewere (Olympique Lyonnais), David Moyo (Hamilton Academical), Admiral Muskwe (Wycombe
Wanderers), Farau Matare (Bulawayo Chiefs), Knox Mutizwa (Lamontville)..
