Published by the government of Zimbabwe
Augustine Hwata
23 May 2008
Harare — WARRIORS coach Valinhos has named eight home-based players in the squad dominated by the foreign legion for Zimbabwe's opening Group Three 2010 World Cup/Nations Cup qualifier against Guinea in Conakry next week.
Valinhos has taken a gamble by naming some of the foreign-based professionals he has never seen in action during the previous camps.
With most of the professionals back home, the Brazilian coach said he will have to find enough time to assess the players if they heed the call to report for duty on Sunday night.
Still buoyed by progressing to the next round of the African Nations Championship, Valinhos yesterday said he would have liked to play at least two international friendly matches before facing Guinea.
"It was my wish to play at least one or two preparatory games with all the players available. This would have been a good opportunity but with the current situation, this will not be possible. There is not enough time now to organise the friendly games," he said.
Valinhos, however, said the failure to secure a friendly could also be blessing in disguise.
"A friendly game was good, but we also have to guard against injuries to our players before the qualifiers.
"For now we want to make the best out of our preparaions ahead of the game in Guinea in the short space of time we have," he said.
National team's general manager Shariff Mussa said the players are expected to arrive in camp on Sunday evening with the first training session set for Monday.
"Nothing has been finalised so far but the coach could be trimming the final squad to 18 players on Wednesday.
"The team may leave on Wednesday or Thursday depending on the logistics so that they get a few days to acclimatise," said Mussa. After returning from Guinea, Zimbabwe will engage Namibia and Mussa said a revised programme would be spelt out.
"Depending on what the coaches would have seen in Guinea, there could be some adjustments to the squad but that will come out in due course," said Mussa.
In coming up with the squad, Valinhos settled for Clemence Matawu, goalkeeper Energy Murambadoro, Washington Arubi, David Kutyauripo, Justice Majabvi, Zhaimu Jambo, Sam Mutenheri and Gilbert Banda from the domestic league.
Squad
T. Kapini, O. Bhasera, Z. Makonese, O. Moyo, J. Matola, E. Nyandoro, T. Nengomasha, G. Mushangazhike, H. Shereni, H. Gombami, C. Chimedza, V. Nyoni, B. Mwaruwari, T. Chinyama, J. Ngwenya, M. Temwanjira, Q. Antipas, M. Mguni, D. Choto, N. Kaseke.
Locals: E. Murambadoro, W. Arubi, D. Kutyauripo, Z. Jambo, J. Majabvi, C. Matawu, G. Banda.
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