Warriors squad to face Liberia named

WARRIORS coach Norman Mapeza has named his chief striker Knowledge Musona in the squad that will face Liberia in an African Cup of Nations qualifier despite the concerns over the German-based forward's hamstring injury.

Warriors manager Sharrif Mussa, who announced a 23-man squad that is expected to go into camp on August 29, said yesterday they had included Musona in their side as they had not received any official communication on the state of the player's injury.

Mussa said he would also speak to both Hoffenheim officials and Musona but also indicated that the Warriors medical team would also make their own assessment on the extent of the striker's injury.

Musona has so far scored all the Warriors three goals in the 2012 Nations Cup qualifying campaign to underline his significance in the senior team's attack.

With bustling Mamelodi Sundowns forward Nyasha Mushekwi already ruled out because of suspension, Mapeza has been left with limited options in his final line of attack in which he has included Edward Sadomba and rookie Simba Sithole.

The Warriors manager also explained that the coaches had opted to give long-term injury casualties Onismor Bhasera and Noel Kaseke more time to recover and regain full fitness.

There was also no place for club-hunting midfielder Justice Majabvi, who has been trying his luck at South African clubs Bloemfontein Celtics and Kaizer Chiefs after quitting relegated Austrian Bundesliga outfit LASK Linz.

But Ajax Cape Town winger Tafadzwa Rusike makes a return to the Warriors after being overlooked for the back to back clashes against the physically bigger Eagles of Mali.

The Warriors will have a familiar outlook when they troop back into camp with skipper Method Mwanjali, eccentric goalkeeper Tapuwa Kapini, the vastly improved Vusa Nyoni and veteran Tinashe Nengomasha being retained. Versatile midfielder Willard Katsande, who joined Kaizer Chiefs on Saturday and rookie defender Lincoln Zvasiya who completed his move to the Soweto giants yesterday also been included.

Warriors squad:

Goalkeepers
Tapuwa Kapini, Washington Arubi, Marlon Jani

Defenders
Method Mwanjali, Vusa Nyoni, Gilbert Mapemba, Tapiwa Khumbuyani, Daniel Veremu, Qadr Amini, Lincoln Zvasiya

Midfielders
Ovidy Karuru, Khama Billiat, Tafadzwa Rusike, Willard Katsande, Tinashe Nengomasha, Quincy Antipas, Archieford Gutu, Benjamin Marere, Charles Sibanda, Eric Mudzingwa

Strikers
Simba Sithole, Knowledge Musona, Edward Sadomba