into the head-coaching role by the Zimbabwe Football Association in a surprise move two weeks ago – was supposed to start on 9 September, against Malawi in the last qualifier of the 2008 African Nations Cup Group 12 campaign.
But Zifa acting chief executive officer Henrietta Rushwaya said, “We have just received – and accepted- an invitation from the Mozambique Football Federation for a friendly international on August the 20th, where the Port city of Beira will be celebrating its 100th birthday.
“The Mozambicans will be taking care of all our expenses, including travel, and the team will be leaving by road on the 19th and coming back on 21 August.
“The invite couldn’t have come at a better time for us, as it provides the coach with the opportunity to get the feel of the job in a friendly, before the Warriors play Malawi at Barbourfields Stadium, in Bulawayo, next month,” said Rushwaya.
Meanwhile, the Warriors’ hastily arranged trip to Malaysia this week was hanging in the balance. The trip had been arranged by a local players’ agent, but Zifa have asked for more information on the tour following suggestions it had a self-serving agenda. – CAJ News
16.8.2007
0:00
Mapeza at helm for Beira game
HARARE - Caretaker national team coach Norman Mapeza is to kick-start his tenure at the helm of domestic football earlier than previously envisaged, after Zimbabwe were invited for an international friendly against their Mozambique counterparts in Beira.
The former Warriors captain - thrust