Brito names first Warriors squad ahead of Botswana friendly

Portuguese coach Baltemar Brito has announced his first squad as the head coach of the Warriors, following his recent appointment. Brito, who was confirmed as the new senior national football team head coach on a short-term contract until July 2024, will lead the team for the first time in an invitational match against Botswana on September 30.

He will be supported by Genesis Mangombe, the coach of Dynamos, and Bongani Mafu, the former Hwange coach. This coaching team will have the opportunity to work with locally-based players for the first time during the match, which is part of Botswana's Independence Day celebrations.

The squad consists of locally-based players and will depart for Gaborone on September 27. The squad selection includes many players who have been performing well in the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League this season.

Notable inform players in the squad include Qadir Amini, the captain of Ngezi Platinum Stars, and Obriel Chirinda, a prolific forward from Bulawayo Chiefs. The local Warriors team will aim to impress the new coaching staff in preparation for upcoming competitions such as the African Nations Championship (CHAN) and FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

The squad

Goalkeepers: Donovan Bernard (Chicken Inn), Nelson Chadya

Defenders: Andrew Mbeba, Peter Muduhwa (Highlanders), Godknows Murwira (Caps United), Frank Makarati (Dynamos), Farai Banda (Manica Diamonds), Qadr Amini (Ngezi Platinum Stars), Xolani Ndlovu (Chicken Inn)

Midfielders: Brighton Manhire (Highlanders), Sherpard Mhlanga (Chicken Inn), Brian Banda (FC Platinum), Tanaka Shandirwa (Dynamos), Mthokozisi Msebe (Bulawayo Chiefs), Donald Mudadi (Dynamos), Davison Marowa (Herentals), Walter Musona (FC Platinum), Tinotenda Benza (Herentals)

Forwards: William Manondo (Caps United), Fortune Binzi (Manica Diamonds), Obriel Chirinda (Bulawayo Chiefs)