ZIFA have lined up friendly matches against Malawi and Lesotho as Warriors coach Klaus Dieter Pagels prepares his men for the showdown against Egypt in a 2014 World Cup qualifier in June.
SPORTS CORRESPONDENT
Although Zimbabwe are virtually out of the global soccer showcase after narrowly losing 2-1 to Egypt last month, Zifa wants the coach to have as many practice matches as possible ahead of the match as he continues with his rebuilding exercise.
Zifa board member finance Eliot Kasu said yesterday they had earmarked a friendly match against Malawi on May 25 in which the coach is expected to field local- based players.
But he said Pagels would have the opportunity to assess his foreign contingent of players a few days before the Egypt match with another practice match against Lesotho.
“We have engaged Malawi for a friendly match on May 25. We have also opened negotiations with Lesotho for another friendly match a few days before the match against Egypt. The coach will have the chance to field foreign-based players for the Lesotho match,” said Kasu.
The Warriors, comprising home-based players, are scheduled to leave for Zambia for an international friendly match on Friday. Zimbabwe were invited for the international friendly match on Sunday as Zambia marks 20 years since the April 27, 1993, plane disaster off the coast of Gabon which killed all 18 national team players, two coaches, a doctor, two Football Association officials, a journalist and five crew members.
