Story by Lawrence Trusida, Sports Editor
WARRIORS coach Baltermar Brito has named a 28-man provisional squad to face Rwanda and Nigeria in World Cup Qualifiers set for Rwanda this month.
The new Warriors coach has called in just seven locally based players for the FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda on the 15th and Nigeria on the 19th of this month.
The two matches will be played at the Huye Stadium in Butare, Rwanda.
Chicken Inn goalkeeper Donavan Bernard, Highlanders’ defensive duo of Peter Muduhwa and Andrew Mbeba, Dynamos Captain Frank Makarati and his teammate Tanka Shandirwa as well as the FC Platinum pair of Walter Musona and Brian Banda are the lucky seven.
If all the players turn up for national duty, there could be new caps for the Warriors after 19-year-old Brentford reserve goalkeeper Marley Tavaziva was given his maiden call-up.
The England-born goalkeeper will face competition from veteran Washington Arubi, Martin Mapisa of FC Malaga City and Donavan Bernard.
In midfield, the Warriors have opted for experience in Marshall Munetsi who is having another great season with Stade de Reims in France, England-based Marvellous Nakamba who has been a consistent face on the Luton FC line up as well as battle-hardened Gerald Takwara who is now turning out for Ohod in the Saudi first division.
There is also space for attacking midfielder Isaac Mabaya who plays for the Liverpool reserve side to show what he has to offer as well as Andy Rinomhota of Cardiff City together with Brian Banda of FC Platinum.
Upfront, Castle Lager Premier Soccer League leading goal scorer Obriel Chirinda, returning Prince Dube who plays for Azam in Tanzania and reigning soccer star of the year, Walter Musona of FC Platinum will compete with Admiral Muskwe of Exeter City and Supersport’s Terrence Dzukamanja.
Tawanda Maswanhise of Leicester City has finally been called up together with Leon Chiwome of Wolverhampton Wanderers to show how much attacking threat they can offer.
The team is expected to report for national duty on Monday next week.
