Warriors interim coach Norman Mapeza said the squad for the final FIFA 2022 World Cup qualifiers comprises both experienced and inexperienced players as well as locally-based players as he is already planning for next year’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) finals and beyond.
Mapeza named 26 players in the squad to play away to South Africa on 11 November and at home against Ethiopia on 14 November.
The FC Platinum coach said he wants to restore the Warriors’ pride and make local football fans believe in the national team again. Said Mapeza:
It’s all about assessment and building a team for the AFCON tournament next year.
We need to restore our pride and make Warriors fans believe in our national team again. We also need to start building a team for the future.
That is why we have called in some local players, young players and some senior players for these last two World Cup qualifiers.
Below is the Warriors squad for the matches against South Africa and Ethiopia:
GOALKEEPERS
Taimon Mvula (Dynamos) Donavan Benard (Chicken Inn) Petros Mhari (FC Platinum)
DEFENDERS
Brendan Galloway (Plymouth Argyle) Tendayi Darikwa (Wigan Athletic) Bruce Kangwa (Azam) Divine Lunga (Mamelodi Sundowns) Takudzwa Chimwemwe (Nkana) Alec Mudimu (Torpedo Kutaisi) Peter Muduwa (Highlanders) Godknows Murwira (Dynamos)
MIDFIELDERS
Marvelous Nakamba (Aston Villa) Kelvin Madzongwe (FC Platinum) Gerald Takwara (Venda Football Academy) Farai Madhanaga (Marumo Gallants) Blessing Sarupinda (Sekhukhune)
Tawanda Maswanhise (Leicester) Thabani Kamusoko (Zesco United) Jonah Fabisch (Hamburger SV) Kudakwashe Mahachi (SuperSport United) Khama Billiat (Kaizer Chiefs) Ismael Wadi (JDR Stars).
STRIKERS
David Moyo (Hamilton Academical) Macauley Bonne (Ipswich Town) Knox Mutizwa (Lamontville Golden Arrows).