Published by the government of Zimbabwe
Augustine Hwata
6 October 2008
Harare — THE Warriors' foreign-based contingent started trooping into camp yesterday with the South Africa-based trio of Tapuwa Kapini, Joel Lupahla and Zvenyika Makonese leading the way as Zimbabwe begin their preparations for the 2010 World Cup/Nations Cup Group Two soccer qualifier away in Namibia.
Vice-captain Makonese, goalkeeper Kapini and his team-mate at Platinum Stars Luphahla were part of the crowd which watched Zimbabwean champions Dynamos being edged 1-0 by Cotonsport of Cameroon in an African Champions League first leg semi-final clash at Rufaro yesterday.
Giant goalkeeper Energy Murambadoro was expected to arrive late last night from his base in South Africa.
Assistant team manager Charles Dzvairo was last night hopeful that the other South Africa-based players would start arriving in camp this morning.
"We have only three foreign-based players who have arrived in camp.
"Tonight (last night) we are expecting to see Energy coming in to join us. The rest will start coming in tomorrow (today)," said Dzvairo.
Dzvairo is expecting Onismo Bhasera and Tinashe Nengomasha from Kaizer Chiefs, Obert Moyo (Pretoria University), Mamelodi Sundowns' Esrom Nyandoro and Orlando Pirate's veteran striker Gilbert Mushangazhike to arrive this morning.
All the locally-based players are expected to have checked-in at the team's camp by mid-morning today.
"Some of the locally-based players were with their clubs this weekend and would only be joining camp on Monday (today).
"We expect all the locally-based players to check-in in the morning and by the afternoon most, if not all of the foreign-based players, should have arrived," Dzvairo said.
National coach Valinhos has scheduled his first training session this afternoon at Rufaro.
The Warriors technical team could, however, be anxious over injured team captain Benjani Mwaruwari.
"I have not heard or established anything over Benjani.
"He is one of the players called up for camp but for me I have not received any position yet.
"We want him to come but we will have to wait until tomorrow to know what is his position," said Dzvairo.
Mwaruwari missed the last tie against Guinea at Rufaro through injury.
He also missed the start of the English Premiership at his club Manchester City because of the injury.
Zimbabwe now have a very slim chance of saving their hopes of playing at the 2010 football showcases after their campaign in Group Two went off the rails.
The Warriors need a comprehensive victory over the Brave Warriors in Windhoek on Sunday and at the same time pray that Guinea lose to Kenya in the other Group Two game in Conakry.
Kenya are on top of the pool and fancy their chances of qualifying for the next round while Zimbabwe and the Syli Nationale battle for at least a place among the eight best runners-up.
Namibia are out of contention for a place in the next round of the campaign.
But despite having been blown out of the race, Brave Warriors coach Tom Saintfiet and his two assistants Ronny Kanelelo and Brian Isaacs have picked only three locally-based players for the squad to face Zimbabwe.
Orlando Pirates midfield Rudi Louw, Eleven Arrows forward Muna Katupose and Blue Waters defender Gottlieb Nakuta are the only three players who ply their trade within the nation to be picked for the squad to face Zimbabwe.
Saintfiet said he would need his best possible squad so that the 2008 African Cup of Nations finalists go out with some dignity in their last game.
Warriors squad
Goalkeepers: Tapuwa Kapini, Energy Murambadoro, Willard Manyatera.
Defenders: David Kutyauripo, Onismor Bhasera, Zhaimu Jambo, Zvenyika Makonese, James Matola, Obert Moyo, Gilbert Banda, Noel Kaseke, Method Mwanjali.
Midfielders: Esrom Nyandoro, Tinashe Nengomasha, Justice Majabvi, Joel Luphahla, Ovidy Karuru, Pride Tafirenyika.
Strikers: Edward Sadomba, Gilbert Mushangazhike, Benjani Mwaruwari, Quincy Antipas.
Namibia squad
Goalkeepers: Athiel Mbaha, Abisai Shiningayamwe.
Defenders: Hartman Toromba, Richard Gariseb, Steven Goagab, Ivan Namaseb, George Hummel and Gottlieb Nakuta.
Midfielders: Jamu Ngatjizeko, Meraai Swartbooi, Paulus Shipanga, Quinton Jacobs, Lazarus Kaimbi, Rudi Louw, Rudolph Bester and Sidney Plaatjies.
Strikers: Wilko Risser, Henrico Botes, Muna Katupose, Collin Benjamin.
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