News / National
Wolves starlet named in Warriors squad
23 May 2024 at 05:46hrs | Views
The Warriors' creative hub has received a significant boost with the inclusion of Wolves starlet Tawanda Chirewa in the squad for the senior national football team's 2026 World Cup qualifying matches early next month.
Zimbabwe, placed in Group C, will host Lesotho at Orlando Stadium in Johannesburg on June 7, followed by a match against South Africa at Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein four days later. These games are crucial in the Warriors' quest for their first-ever World Cup qualification.
Zimbabwe currently has two points from two games in a six-team group that includes Nigeria, Rwanda, and Benin. Only the group winners will secure a spot at the World Cup.
Despite the Warriors being without a coach, players have been notified of their call-ups for national duty. ZIFA has established a committee to select players for the two matches, with the list to be handed over to the incoming coach.
Chirewa, who plays for the English Premier League side Wolves, is among those called up by ZIFA. The 20-year-old midfielder received his first Warriors call-up for a Four-nation tournament in Malawi in March but withdrew due to club commitments with Wolves, where he wanted to secure more playing time.
Chirewa expressed his commitment to representing Zimbabwe and stated his intention to be available for future assignments. "I am honoured and proud to be called to Zimbabwe and sad to withdraw from the national team camp," he said. "I need to first solidify my place at Wolves so that when the next assignment comes, I'll be an established Premier League player and ready to help Zimbabwe qualify for the World Cup."
Having made eight appearances for Wolves, Chirewa is now expected to bring his club form to the Warriors as they prepare to face Lesotho and South Africa. He is one of several new faces aiming to secure Zimbabwe's first win in their Group C campaign.
In their opening two games, Zimbabwe drew 0-0 with Rwanda and 1-1 with Nigeria. Chirewa is also set to team up with Andy Rinomhota in the Warriors squad.
Sources from ZIFA confirmed Chirewa's commitment to the upcoming matches in South Africa. "Tawanda Chirewa has been included in the team, and this time, he has committed to come. He is a valuable addition to the squad," the sources said.
Jordan Zemura has also been included in the squad, despite a previous public fallout with interim coach Norman Mapeza. Regulars like defender Teenage Hadebe, captain Marvelous Nakamba, and France-based duo Tino Kadewere and Marshal Munetsi have also received invitations. Local players include Chicken Inn goalkeeper Donavan Bernard, DeMbare's Martin Mapisa, and Dynamos vice-captain and right-back Emmanuel Jalai.\
Zimbabwe, placed in Group C, will host Lesotho at Orlando Stadium in Johannesburg on June 7, followed by a match against South Africa at Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein four days later. These games are crucial in the Warriors' quest for their first-ever World Cup qualification.
Zimbabwe currently has two points from two games in a six-team group that includes Nigeria, Rwanda, and Benin. Only the group winners will secure a spot at the World Cup.
Despite the Warriors being without a coach, players have been notified of their call-ups for national duty. ZIFA has established a committee to select players for the two matches, with the list to be handed over to the incoming coach.
Chirewa, who plays for the English Premier League side Wolves, is among those called up by ZIFA. The 20-year-old midfielder received his first Warriors call-up for a Four-nation tournament in Malawi in March but withdrew due to club commitments with Wolves, where he wanted to secure more playing time.
Chirewa expressed his commitment to representing Zimbabwe and stated his intention to be available for future assignments. "I am honoured and proud to be called to Zimbabwe and sad to withdraw from the national team camp," he said. "I need to first solidify my place at Wolves so that when the next assignment comes, I'll be an established Premier League player and ready to help Zimbabwe qualify for the World Cup."
Having made eight appearances for Wolves, Chirewa is now expected to bring his club form to the Warriors as they prepare to face Lesotho and South Africa. He is one of several new faces aiming to secure Zimbabwe's first win in their Group C campaign.
In their opening two games, Zimbabwe drew 0-0 with Rwanda and 1-1 with Nigeria. Chirewa is also set to team up with Andy Rinomhota in the Warriors squad.
Sources from ZIFA confirmed Chirewa's commitment to the upcoming matches in South Africa. "Tawanda Chirewa has been included in the team, and this time, he has committed to come. He is a valuable addition to the squad," the sources said.
Jordan Zemura has also been included in the squad, despite a previous public fallout with interim coach Norman Mapeza. Regulars like defender Teenage Hadebe, captain Marvelous Nakamba, and France-based duo Tino Kadewere and Marshal Munetsi have also received invitations. Local players include Chicken Inn goalkeeper Donavan Bernard, DeMbare's Martin Mapisa, and Dynamos vice-captain and right-back Emmanuel Jalai.\
Source - the herald
