Warriors coach Klaus-Dieter Pagels has defended the squad he called for this month’s World Cup qualifiers against Egypt and Guinea.
BY MICHAEL MADYIRA
Zimbabwe faces Egypt this Sunday before travelling to Conakry to play Guinea on June 16, in dead rubber encounters after surrendering the race for Brazil 2014.
Pagels on Thursday announced his 25-man squad that had no Kaizer Chiefs defensive linkman Willard Katsande whose exclusion has sparked uproar from the Warriors fans.
With the German coach having stressed the need to have youngsters as the core of his team whose main target is 2015 Africa Cup of Nations qualification, the inclusion of 30-year-old Chicken Inn defender Felix Chindungwe has also not been well received.
“I have explained on the issue of Katsande many times before and do not want to continue talking about it. He simply does not fit in my system of play. As for Felix he plays like a youngster and still has about two years around,” said Pagels.
“I do not select players on my own but as a technical team. We are happy with all the players that we have selected. I used to overlook Malajila and Karuru but they are now in the team. Things change. But for now that does not mean it could be the same with Katsande.”
In his six-month tenure at the helm of the Warriors, Pagels has so far been known for disregarding pressure from supporters to include players of their preferred choice.
- Chamisa under fire over US$120K donation
- Mavhunga puts DeMbare into Chibuku quarterfinals
- Pension funds bet on Cabora Bassa oilfields
- Councils defy govt fire tender directive
Keep Reading
He has remained resolute in his decision to ignore Charlton Athletic star midfielder Bradley Pritchard, as well as Poland-based defender Costa Nhamoinesu who is instrumental is top-flight league side Zaglebie Lubin.
Nhamoinesu has been linked with Spanish La Liga side Granada. There have also been calls to include Kaizer Chiefs striker Kingstone Nkhatha.
Full-back Nicholas Guyo who has been struggling with his game at Monomotapa has wrestled his way into Pagels’ line of thought.
Hwange defender Erick Chipeta is yet to prove his mettle with the senior national side after commendable performances with the national Under-20 seven years ago.
The Warriors are expected in camp tomorrow as they prepare for Egypt. They are at the foot of Group G, where Egypt is at the top with nine points while Guinea follows with four points: Mozambique are on third spot.
