HARARE – The availability of France based duo Marshall Munetsi and Tino Kadewere for the Warriors’ crucial 2021 AFCON qualifiers continues to be shrouded in mystery but ZIFA remains hopeful.
ZIFA spokesperson Xolisani Gwesela has given an update on the developments and the Association’s efforts to bring the France-based duo.
“We have engaged Mozambique Football Federation, who have in principle, agreed to assist us to transport the players back to France after the qualifiers,” said Gwesela.
ZIFA are trying to engage Mozambique to help them with the travel logistics for the two players after their respective clubs requested a guarantee of their safety.
“MFF engaged their government which agreed to provide the private flight to Mozambique players who are based in France,” added Gwesela.
The football body spokesperson revealed that the government does not have a solid plan in place and are only relying on the response from Mozambique.
“We have written to the Sports and Recreation Commission and they have forwarded our correspondence to the ministry of sport. We have been informed that the ministry is engaging the Mozambique government.
“We are making frantic efforts but the matter has not yet been finalised.
“They might not be available for the game against Botswana but we will continue working hard to ensure that the players are available for the game against Zambia,” he said.
A number of players are already in the camp including captain Knowledge Musona, Kuda Mahachi among others.
Alec Mudimu, Martin Mapisa and a few other players are expected in camp this afternoon from their European places. Zimbabwe will leave for Botswana on Wednesday ahead of the crucial tie this Thursday.
Fixtures:
•Botswana vs Zimbabwe – 1800hours (Away) | Thursday
•Zimbabwe vs Zambia – 2100hours (NSS) | Sunday
Zimbabwe national team squad:
Goalkeepers:
Tanunurwa Talbert Shumba (Nkana, Zambia)
Martin Mapisa (Zamora CF, Spain)
Ariel Thulani Sibanda (Highlanders, ZIM)
Defenders:
Jimmy Denis Dzingai (Nkana, Zambia)
Teenage Lingani Hadebe (Yeni Malatyaspor, Turkey)
Alec Takunda Mudimu (Ankaraspor, Turkey)
Tendai Pattison Jirira (Detroit, USA)
Victor Kamhuka (Royal Malaysia Police, Malaysia)
Romario Matova (NK Solin, Croatia)
Gilroy Takudzwa Chimwemwe (Nkana, Zambia)
Midfielders:
Thabani Michael Kamusoko (Zesco United, Zambia)
Butholezwe Mzomsuthu Ncube (Amazulu, SA)
Marshall Nyasha Munetsi (Stade de Reims, France)
Ovidy Obvious Karuru (Black Leopards, SA)
Perfect Tatenda Chikwende (Simba SC, Tanzania)
Last Jesi (Al-Hilal, Sudan)
Tafadzwa Paul Rusike (Zesco United, Zambia)
Kudakwashe Mahachi (SuperSport United, SA)
Tanaka Chinyahara (Red Arrows, Zambia)
Knowledge Musona (KAS Eupen, Belgium)
Strikers:
Terrence Dzvukamanja (Orlando Pirates, SA)
Evans Rusike (SuperSport United, SA)
Philana Tinotenda Kadewere (Lyon, France)
