Bosso midfielder gets Warriors call-up

HIGHLANDERS midfield maestro Masimba Mambare has been called up to the Warriors team that leaves for Egypt.

He replaces Moroka Swallows' Gilbert Mapemba who is out injured.

The South Africa Absa Premiership defender was a replacement for Quincy Antipas who was injured also in Denmark.

Warriors manager Sharrif Mussa confirmed yesterday that Mambare had replaced the former Caps United defender.

"We have roped in Mambare to replace Mapemba who is injured. All visa arrangements have been finalised and we did that weeks before," said Mussa.

Meanwhile, two former Warriors players Benjani Mwaruwari and Mkhuphali Masuku have called on the boys to stay focused if they are to get a positive result or a draw in Egypt next Tuesday in a World Cup qualifier.

The two teams clash in Alexandra with either winner staying in contention for a slot to the Brazil finals next year.

The former Warriors captain however said he was disappointed that the national team is going to assemble on the road and get its first training in Egypt.

"It would have been ideal if the boys had trained together at home or in South Africa before departure. Having just the 18 players for the trip could see some of the boys conceal injuries knowing they are set for pay day on the trip.

"Now it looks like a money game team where players meet just for the game at the venue. They needed to familiarise with each other before embarking on the trip at a venue which is not Egypt," said Mwaruwari.

Playing away from home, Mwaruwari said, presented a lot of challenges that would test the boys' and coaches mental strength.

He said it was important that the boys' remained steadfast.

"The boys will have to be strong mentally, it is not going to be easy for them at all. The Egyptians will come in big numbers to cheer their team and make the environment intimidating. It is therefore important that they are prepared psychologically so that their focus is on the outcome of the game," said the former Warriors captain.

Mwaruwari said the players would have to play to the whistle and endure with some calls that could be baffling to any player on the field.

"At times playing away from home, especially in North Africa presents all sort of challenges. The boys will have to keep away from the referee and concentrate on the game to avoid being penalised. These are the things that they should be working on right now if they had met earlier.

"Most leagues did not have mid week games or weekend matches ahead of Tuesday and Wednesday's clashes. The boys would have been with each other longer to work on combinations, team spirit and be psyched up. While it looks like it might be difficult, the challenge is on the boys to carry the day for their country as millions back home will be rooting for them," said Mwaruwari.

He bemoaned the fact that the squad was a youthful side saying that could work against the team as the players lacked experience.

"The level of expectation on the boys could just be too high for them leading to some giving in to pressure of the more experienced Egyptians," said the former Manchester City star.

Masuku who travelled twice to that country once with the Young Warriors and Highlanders said off the field the team must expect a good reception.

The battle, he said, would be won or lost on the soccer field where the boys would have to live up to the challenge.

"Those guys will give you the best accommodation, transport and everything at times. When it gets to the field of play then you get their full wrath with refereeing at times quite a big factor," said Masuku.

Masuku called on the boys to stay focused and not to worry a lot about off the field challenges.

There have been fears in the Zimbabwe camp that the environment might not be conducive because of upheavals in Cairo and Port Said.

The Zimbabweans have been given assurances by that country's football association and the government that the match will go ahead without incident as tight security will be provided.

The Warriors are expected to travel to Alexandra by road on Friday accompanied by Egyptian security personnel.

Zifa dutifully sent an advance team led by Nelson Matongorere to assess the situation on the ground.

Their early indications are that the situation is stable and the Warriors need not fear.

Dieter Klaus-Pagels has opted for the future by bringing young players to the fore.

It is their inexperience and small frames that should be a cause for concern on Tuesday.