Blow For Zimbabwe As Another Warriors Striker Pulls Out Of AFCON
Zimbabwe Warriors team has suffered another blow after South Africa-based striker Knox Mutizwa who plies his trade for Golden Arrows pulled out of the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier matches against Botswana and Zambia after suffering an injury.
Knox joins a legion of other star players who have been ruled out of the upcoming AFCON matches over injuries or travel restrictions in the countries they reside.
Warriors coach Zdravko Loga Logarusic said the Zambia and Botswana encounters will likely be very hard after nine players who played in a 2-2 draw against Group H leaders, Algeria, are not available this time. Loga said:
The game against Botswana will be, of course, very difficult for us because we never expected that we will play that game missing nine players whom we had when we played Algeria . . . and we have to deal with the situation.
Star players who have been ruled out include United States-based goalkeeper Tatenda Mkuruva, UK-based Marvelous Nakamba, Tendayi Darikwa, and Jordan Zemura, France-based Tinotenda Kadewere and Marshall Munetsi as well as South Africa-based Khama Billiat.
Warriors manager, Wellington Mpandare told Sunday News that defender Kelvin Moyo, who is down with a bout of malaria, had also been added to the casualty list.
On a positive note, a travel headache earlier stated has now been resolved and the Warriors can now travel from Johannesburg direct to Francistown.
More on the positive side, defenders Teenage Hadebe and Alec Mudimu and striker captain Knowledge Musona are among those that will fly into Harare to link-up with the rest of the Warriors. Below is a list of players who are available.
Goalkeepers:
- Talbert Shumba,
- Ariel Sibanda,
- Martin Mapisa
Defenders:
- Jimmy Dzingai,
- Alec Mudimu,
- Divine Lunga,
- Teenage Hadebe,
- Victor Kamhuka,
- Tendai jirira,
- Romario Matova,
- Takudzwa Chimwemwe
Midfielders:
- Butholezwe Ncube,
- Ovidy Karuru,
- Thabani Kamusoko,
- Tafadzwa Rusike,
- Tanaka Chinyahara,
- Last Jesi,
- Kudakwashe Mahachi
Strikers:
- Knowledge Musona,
- Evans Rusike,
- Terence Dzvukamanja,
- Perfect Chikwende
More: The Sunday Mail
