Loga Explains Rationale Behind Huge Squad For AFCON Qualifiers

Warriors coach Zdravko ‘Loga’ Logarušic said he called a bigger provisional squad for the AFCON qualifiers against Botswana and Zambia in March due to the uncertainty over the availability of some players due to injury and COVID-19 regulations in different parts of the globe.

Logarusic and his technical team named 38 players for the two matches as some of the key players are currently injured while there are travel restrictions in some countries, such as the United Kingdom, because of the coronavirus crisis. Said Loga:

We have more than 10 players whose availability is in doubt. We have problems with some injured regular players whom we used in our games against Algeria, especially Khama [Billiat], [Marshall] Munetsi and [Knowledge] Musona.

We have to call up more players in case some test positive for COVID-19 in camp.

Zimbabwe takes on Botswana in Gaborone on 25 March and then host Zambia on 29 March at the National Sports Stadium.

Warriors provisional squad

Goalkeepers: Talbert Shumba (Nkana) Tatenda Mkuruva (Michigan Stars) Ariel Sibanda(Highlanders) Martin Mapisa (Zamora CF)

Defenders: Jordan Zemura (AFC Bournemouth) Jimmy Dzingai (Nkana) Alec Mudimu (Ankaraspor) Teenage Hadebe (Yeni Malatyaspor) Divine Lunga (Lamontville Golden Arrows) Tendai Jirira (Detroit City) Tendayi Darikwa (Wigan Athletic) Brendan Galloway (Luton Town) Victor Kamhuka (Royal Malaysia Police) Romario Matova (NK Solin) Peter Muduwa (Simba SC) Carlos Mavhurume (Caps United) Shadreck Nyahwa (Bulawayo Chiefs)

Midfielders: Marshall Munetsi (Stade de Reims) Marvelous Nakamba (Aston Villa) Butholezwe Ncube (Amazulu) Ovidy Karuru (Black Leopards) Khama Billiat (Kaizer Chiefs) Tafadzwa Rusike (Zesco United) Brian Banda (FC Platinum) King Nadolo (Dynamos) Kudakwashe Mahachi (SuperSport United) Thabani Kamusoko (Zesco United, Knowledge Musona (KAS Eupen) Tatenda Tavengwa (Harare City) Tanaka Chinyahara (Red Arrows)

Strikers: Terrence Dzvukamanja (Orlando Pirates) Tinotenda Kadewere (Olympique Lyonnais) David Moyo (Hamilton Academical) Admiral Muskwe (Wycombe Wanderers) Farau Matare (Bulawayo Chiefs) Knox Mutizwa (Lamontville Golden Arrows) Evans Rusike (SuperSport United) Prince Dube (Azam).