Published by the government of Zimbabwe
Augustine Hwata
20 November 2008
Harare — YOUNG Warriors midfielder Charlton Mashumba is racing against time to recover in time for the African Under-17 Championship final qualifier, second leg. Mashumba, the two goal-hero in the 3-2 win in the first leg two weeks, has been sitting out training for the past two days because of an ankle injury.
The Eagles FC midfielder watched yesterday's training session from the terraces, as he is yet to fully recover.
"I got injured on Monday and have not trained since then.
"I had a clash with Chamu Makoni at training and that's when I injured my right ankle.
"I failed to train on Tuesday and today (yesterday) as the doctors are still assessing my problem," said Mashumba.
Mashumba said he was hoping to resume light training today and possibly fight for a place in the starting line-up for the game on Saturday.
The Marlborough High School student said he never expected to score a brace in Luanda but is now confident of scoring more goals for the Under-17s.
"Honestly, I never expected that I would score in Luanda and even when I got the first goal, I thought it was a fluke.
"But I started to believe in myself and got another goal.
"Hopefully, I will recover and score more goals," said Mashumba.
Another key Under-17 player Brian Katsaruware believes the Young Warriors should remain focused on getting a win.
Katsaruware said it was still game on as Angola were capable of turning the tables on them.
"We had a tough game in Angola and I am sure they are going to fight hard.
"Angola are not going to give in lightly and we have to fight for a win.
"We should avoid a complacent attitude and play as if this is the final game," he said.
Meanwhile, Under-17 coach Rodwell Dhlakama and his technical team have been presented with a poser for the venue of the game on Saturday as rains are threatening to make play impossible.
The drainage at Gwanzura is so poor that the Young Warriors' training session yesterday was like the old game of slime in slide. Dhlakama said they were now worried about the poor condition of Gwanzura, as the waterlogged pitch at the old Highfield home puts players at a high risk of injuries.
But with the Premier Soccer League having already arranged a Harare derby clash between Motor Action and Dynamos at Rufaro on the same day, the Young Warriors could be in for a dilemma should the rain currently pounding the capital persist.
Meanwhile, in a bid to woo supporters for the Young Warriors in Saturday's match against Angola, Zifa have said entry will be free at Gwanzura.
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