The Sunday Mail
Makomborero Mutimukulu
Sports Editor
GERMANY based forward Kelvin “Kelly” Lunga and FC Platinum goalkeeper Petroes Mhari are set to be among the new faces in a largely unchanged Warriors squad to be announced this week.
The 24-year-old Lunga’s chances of making the squad have been boosted by progress made in his acquisition of a Zimbabwean passport. He is the son of former Zimbabwe international forward Max “Scara’’ Makanza.
For Mhari the expected call up will be due reward for strong performances in the CAF Champions League.
While FC Platinum have failed to impress in the group stages of Africa’s premier club competition, Mhari has been rock solid and his form has not escaped the attention of Warriors coach Sunday “Mhofu” Chidzambwa.
Chidzambwa, most probably encouraged by the way his key men are finding form in the build up to next month’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Congo, is unlikely to make a host of changes to the team that has been in the Afcon qualification trenches.
After a series of iffy performances, first choice goalkeeper George Chigova appears to be back in groove with his perfomances against Mamelodi Sundowns in midweek and Kaizer Chiefs yesterday sources of hope. But Chigova will have to prove his worth again amid competition from Mhari and Edmore Sibanda.
Left backs Divine Lunga and Ronald Pfumbidzai are also hitting the right notes in the Absa Premiership with the former also showing his versatility by playing in an attacking midfield role.
Divine Lunga was in divine form and was duly voted man of the match as his Golden Arrows side drew one-all with Chipa United on Friday.
He took time to explain why Steve Khompela slots him into midfield towards the dying stages of the game.
“The coach says he likes the way I push from attacking midfield when the other guys are tired,” said the left back who set up Warriors teammate Knox Mtizwa for Arrows goal.
Danny Phiri was solid in that game too for Golden Arrows and his return to full fitness could spell doom for former skipper Willard Katsande.
Phiri’s midfield anchoring partner Marvelous Nakamba has not been seeing much action at Belgian side Club Brugge but reports suggest his relegation to the bench has nothing to do with los of form but a fall out with coach Ivan Leko.
Talismen Knowledge Musona and Khama Billiat have been seeing regular action of late and Chidzambwa will be hoping that the pair stays injury free ahead of the crucial March 24 clash against Congo.
