Warriors, Bafana Bafana friendly set for SA in doubt

Sport
The Warriors’ international friendly match against South Africa which had been slated for September 10 is now in doubt.

The Warriors’ international friendly match against South Africa which had been slated for September 10 is now in doubt.

REPORT BY MICHAEL MADYIRA

The South Africa Football Association (Safa) is taking long to confirm the match venue and are yet to provide the Zimbabwe Football Association (Zifa) with the match itinerary.

This has presented Zifa with a dilemma, as to whether or not to organise for the match whose proposed venue was Polokwane’s Peter Mokaba Stadium.

South Africa are also said to have proposed to shift the match to Zimbabwe on the same proposed date but Zifa are not ready to host their neighbours.

This has left Warriors coach Ian Gorowa in a puzzle over announcing the squad for that friendly.

If the match is staged in South Africa, Gorowa wants a squad dominated by players based in that country and if it is to be played in Harare, only local-based players would take part, with Willard Katsande being the only foreign-based player.

Bafana Bafana coach Grodon Igesund has already announced the squad for the proposed friendly.

Zifa communications manager Xolisani Gwesela said Safa were mum on the friendly.

“Safa are just silent and we are just waiting to hear from them,” said Gwesela.

“We cannot publicise our squad for that match when Safa are yet to communicate with us on the match.”

Gorowa intended to use the bulk of South Africa-based players in that match which comes two days after the Warriors play Mozambique in a dead rubber World Cup qualifier at home.

“Current indications are that the match is highly unlikely going to take place. We are just waiting to hear from Safa but we were ready for the match. As long as the match is in South Africa, the majority who will play are those based in that country.”

Gorowa has included in his squad South Africa-based players who include Knowledge Musona, Cuthbert Malajila, Khama Billiat, Denver Mukamba and AmaZulu defender Carlington Nyadombo.