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51-man provisional Warriors list shocks nation
36 mins ago |
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Zimbabwe's new national football coach, Marian Marinica, has made a bold statement ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) finals in Morocco by announcing a 51-member provisional squad, effectively starting afresh with team selection. The Romanian tactician, unveiled to the local media for the first time since his appointment earlier this month following the dismissal of German coach Michael Nees, has wasted no time stamping his authority on the national team.
Marinica, who has already overseen two high-profile friendlies- a 3-1 defeat to Algeria in Saudi Arabia and a subsequent victory over Qatar in Doha- expressed a clear desire to break from the team inherited from Nees. The new coach has reached out to both local and foreign-based players who had previously been overlooked, prioritising current form and talent over past selections.
Among the notable inclusions is UK-based striker Macauley Bonne, who has had an on-and-off relationship with the national team. Alec Mudimu, who had retired from international football, has been persuaded to return, while South Africa-based attacker Junior Zindoga, previously ignored, has been given a chance to impress. Locally-based talents have also been rewarded, including MWOS FC's Aboubakar Moffat, Kevin Moyo, Peter Muduhwa, Andrew Mbeba, Albert Manenji, Xolani Ndlovu, Junior Makunike, Kingsley Mureremba, and Joseph Tulani.
The provisional squad further features Mthokozisi Msebe, Nigel Matinha, Ishmael Wadi, Emmanuel Ziocha, Billy Vheremu, Obriel Chirinda, Webster Tafa, and the 17-year-old Scottish sensation Tadiwa Chakuchichi. Goalkeeping duties will be handled by Nelson Chadya and Bernard Donovan, complementing three keepers from the previous camp.
In a move likely to draw attention, veteran forward Khama Billiat, previously persuaded to come out of retirement under Nees, has been left out, along with Tivonge Rushesha, who has had limited game time in recent call-ups.
Marinica faces the challenging task of guiding Zimbabwe past the group stages of the Afcon finals for the first time in history. The initial camp will focus on locally-based players, who will later be joined by foreign-based stars to build cohesion and establish a unified playing philosophy ahead of the final squad announcement.
The 51-man provisional list represents a decisive break from the past and underscores Marinica's commitment to constructing a Warriors side that reflects his vision for Afcon success.
Key players in the provisional squad include Washington Arubi, Martin Mapisa, Elvis Chipezeze, Godknows Murwira, Emmanuel Jalai, Isheanesu Anselmo Mauchi, John Gerald Tungamirai Takwara, Munashe Peter Garananga, Teenage Lingani Hadebe, Brendan Joel Zibusiso Galloway, Jordan Bhekithemba Zemura, Jonah Reinhard Fabisch, Thandolwenkosi Methuseli Ngwenya, Daniel Msendami, Bill Leeroy Antonio, Tawanda Jethro Maswanhise, Walter Tatenda Musona, Tymon Machope, Tawanda Blessing Chirewa, Marshall Nyasha Munetsi, Marvelous Nakamba, and Prince Mpumelelo Dube, among others.
Marinica, who has already overseen two high-profile friendlies- a 3-1 defeat to Algeria in Saudi Arabia and a subsequent victory over Qatar in Doha- expressed a clear desire to break from the team inherited from Nees. The new coach has reached out to both local and foreign-based players who had previously been overlooked, prioritising current form and talent over past selections.
Among the notable inclusions is UK-based striker Macauley Bonne, who has had an on-and-off relationship with the national team. Alec Mudimu, who had retired from international football, has been persuaded to return, while South Africa-based attacker Junior Zindoga, previously ignored, has been given a chance to impress. Locally-based talents have also been rewarded, including MWOS FC's Aboubakar Moffat, Kevin Moyo, Peter Muduhwa, Andrew Mbeba, Albert Manenji, Xolani Ndlovu, Junior Makunike, Kingsley Mureremba, and Joseph Tulani.
The provisional squad further features Mthokozisi Msebe, Nigel Matinha, Ishmael Wadi, Emmanuel Ziocha, Billy Vheremu, Obriel Chirinda, Webster Tafa, and the 17-year-old Scottish sensation Tadiwa Chakuchichi. Goalkeeping duties will be handled by Nelson Chadya and Bernard Donovan, complementing three keepers from the previous camp.
In a move likely to draw attention, veteran forward Khama Billiat, previously persuaded to come out of retirement under Nees, has been left out, along with Tivonge Rushesha, who has had limited game time in recent call-ups.
Marinica faces the challenging task of guiding Zimbabwe past the group stages of the Afcon finals for the first time in history. The initial camp will focus on locally-based players, who will later be joined by foreign-based stars to build cohesion and establish a unified playing philosophy ahead of the final squad announcement.
The 51-man provisional list represents a decisive break from the past and underscores Marinica's commitment to constructing a Warriors side that reflects his vision for Afcon success.
Key players in the provisional squad include Washington Arubi, Martin Mapisa, Elvis Chipezeze, Godknows Murwira, Emmanuel Jalai, Isheanesu Anselmo Mauchi, John Gerald Tungamirai Takwara, Munashe Peter Garananga, Teenage Lingani Hadebe, Brendan Joel Zibusiso Galloway, Jordan Bhekithemba Zemura, Jonah Reinhard Fabisch, Thandolwenkosi Methuseli Ngwenya, Daniel Msendami, Bill Leeroy Antonio, Tawanda Jethro Maswanhise, Walter Tatenda Musona, Tymon Machope, Tawanda Blessing Chirewa, Marshall Nyasha Munetsi, Marvelous Nakamba, and Prince Mpumelelo Dube, among others.
Source - newsday
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