WARRIORS team managers Patrick Mutesva, has hinted that Zimbabweans should brace for surprise inclusions when head coach Ian Gorowa names his squad that will do duty at the Chan finals in South Africa next year in January.
By Brian Nkiwane
The matches will run from January 11 to February 1.
According to Mutesva, who has been trotting around the country with Gorowa attending local matches with the view of beefing up their squad, fans should brace themselves for new faces in the Warriors camp.
“The coach has been busy for the past few weeks moving from one match to another, trying to scout for players he feels will do well in South Africa next year. The truth is that most of the players that he has been using were recommended by either the association or other coaches. So this time around Gorowa gave himself time to watch most of our local league matches to scout for players,” Mutesva said.
He added, “I can assure you that the coach has been pleased with the level of skill that some of our players have displayed. I cannot reveal some of the names now without his permission, but I can confirm that there will be surprise inclusions”
Gorowa watched the Highlanders-Black Rhinos match in which Highlanders midfielder Mthulisi Maphosa, changed the complexion of the game just after his introduction. This was the second time in a space of two weeks that he did so after also coming on as a substitute in the Mbada Diamonds Cup match against Buffaloes in Masvingo.
Maphosa opened the scoring for Highlanders before the Bulawayo giants went on a rampage winning the match 3-0 to progress to the semifinals of the tournament.
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Meanwhile, Zifa has finally secured Warriors a preparatory friendly match against Mozambique to be played at Barbourfields on December 8.
Zifa communications manager Xolisani Gwesela confirmed the development to Standardsport, adding that another friendly match was on the cards against Gabon and is set to be played in Johannesburg on January 8, a month later.
“I can confirm the Mozambique friendly. We are still negotiating with Gabon for yet another friendly a few days before the Chan finals in South Africa,” Gwesela said.
He added that it is most likely that the Warriors will leave for camping just after the Barbourfields friendly.
“We are still engaging our South African friends, but we are optimistic that the Warriors will leave for a camp in South Africa soon after the friendly match.”
