Mamelodi Sundowns winger Kudakwashe Mahachi has become the first foreign-based player to be confirmed for next Sunday’s African Under-23 Championship second round, first leg against South Africa.
BY MICHAEL MADYIRA
Young Warriors coach Kalisto Pasuwa has been battling to secure players stationed outside Zimbabwe. But Mahachi has been given the green light by Sundowns to join the Young Warriors’ camp. Sundowns spokesperson Kabelo Mosito could not confirm Mahachi’s availability but club sources said he would be released.
“I am not quiet sure if the coaches will let him join the national team because we are in the middle of preseason,” said Mosito.
But sources at Chloorkop said Mahachi has already been cleared. “He has already been cleared because the club is not engaged in any competitive matches. We received a request from Zifa last week and we agreed to let him join the national team. If the season was underway it was going to be difficult,” said the sources.
Pasuwa is however battling to secure the services of Marvelous Nakamba of Dutch Eredivise side Vitesse. Ronald Pfumbidzai of Danish outfit Hobro IK is also uncertain, while Macauley Bonne from English League One side Colchester United has not been considered.
The Under-23s are expected in camp tomorrow for the South Africa match. Meanwhile, Zifa have entered into a technical partnership with Spanish sports clothing manufacturer Joma after dumping British partners Umbro.
Umbro clothed the Warriors at last year’s Chan tournament but Joma have taken over the mandate for all Zimbabwe’s technical needs.
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The Spaniards clothe Caps United and also personally supply sports equipment to Warriors forward Quincy Antipas. Zimbabwe becomes the second African national team to be sponsored by Joma after Kenya. Joma were last week not available to spell full details of their marriage with Zifa, while the association’s spokesperson Xolisani Gwesela could also not confirm the deal.
Sources close to the deal said Joma will cater for all national teams and will partner Zifa for a year with an option for renewal of the pact. The Young Warriors are expected to open the deal by donning Joma kits in next Sunday’s African Under-23 Championship qualifier final round, first leg.
“Everything was finalised on Friday,” said Zifa sources. “We have signed a deal with Joma after we advertised tenders. We received various bids but Joma offered the most attractive package. They are a reputable company. I cannot reveal monetary details of the deal at the moment. “We will benefit a certain percentage from replica jersey sales. It is something for the future. Both parties are happy. We will have the official launch next week [this week].”
The Spaniards are still navigating world football and have Bulgaria and Romania national teams as their major clients in Europe while they have deals with Trinidad and Tobago, Cuba, Honduras and Nicaragua in the Americas. Smart from a myriad of scandals, Zifa are expected to engage a brand management company for the Joma deal while they will also be using match agents for international assignments.
