The Sunday Mail
Ishemunyoro Chingwere
Zimbabwe national men’s soccer team coach Kallisto Pasuwa is this week expected to announce the squad that will battle Malawi in a 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier at the National Sports Stadium in Harare on June 5.
Pasuwa’s men seized control of Group L with 4-0 destruction of then joint leaders Swaziland on March 28 and victory over the Flames will take the Warriors a step closer to a third Afcon dance.
The team’s preparations for the Malawi clash will be aided by a friendly against Uganda on May 31 at the NSS.
Team manager Sharif Mussa said, “There is not much information as yet, the coach is busy finalising the squad,” and Zifa spokesman Xolisani Gwesela added: “The coach will announce the squad anytime this week. He will also announce the squad that will do battle in the Cosafa Cup from June 11-25 but he can still choose to use the same squad, it’s for him to decide.
“We are also preparing for the Uganda friendly which will be played at the National Sports on May 31 and it is our hope that the Warriors win the Malawi match to remain in a firm position to qualify for Gabon.”
As Pasuwa works on his squad, captain Willard Katsande is looking to put behind his disappointing season with Kaizer Chiefs.
Despite being a consistent performer, Katsande will end the season empty handed with Amakhosi.
“Judging by the compliments I am getting I would say it has been a good season on a personal level but then if the team doesn’t win titles there is nothing to celebrate,” said Katsande. “For now our focus shifts to next season but before we do that there are national team matches we have to take care of.
“The Malawi game means a lot to us. Everyone is focused and you can see that the guys have been working hard and impressing for their clubs after the Swaziland game.
“It is not going to be an easy game. We know we are now the team to beat because we are at the top of the log and Malawi are going to make it very difficult for us.”
