HARARE - Warriors coach Sunday Chidzambwa (pictured) has included South African-based Ajax midfielder Achieford Gutu in his squad for the Cosafa Senior Challenge Cup. Gutu will be the only foreign based player in the team who will do duty during the two-week regional tournament.Although the veteran coach kept a core of experienced players who took part at the inaugural African Nations Championships in Cote dIvoire earlier this yea r- he included Gutu in the squad for the tournament which roars into life on October 17.
Former Jomo Cosmos striker Evans Gwekwerere, who has since parted ways with the South African club and has rejoined Dynamos up to the end of the season, has also been included. Ironically Gwekwerere has not featured for Dynamos who are under the guidance of head coach Elvis Chiweshe, despite having signed for them three weeks ago.
Team general manager Shariff Mussa said the coaches had initially picked a 30-man squad before adding Gutu and Gwekwerere – on standby – although the duo look set to make the final team.
Both Gwekwerere and Gutu have endured long spells on the sidelines with Gwekwerere eventually deciding to return home after falling out with South African Premiership side Jomo Cosmos.
Gutu has also not played for the better part of the season since he was signed by Ajax Cape Town.
The former CAPS FC midfielder has been linked with a move to a South African Division One side, in the next transfer window which opens in January.
The Warriors are in Group A, which also includes Lesotho, Mauritius and Tanzania.
Swaziland are the other seeded team in a Group B that also has Seychelles, Comoros and Botswana.
Team:
Goalkeepers: Washington Arubi (Bantu Rovers), Edmore Sibanda (CAPS United), Marlon Jani (Motor Action).
Defenders: George Magariro, Guthrie Zhokinyu, Rueben Mhlanga (Dynamos) Casper Machona (Kiglon), Daniel Vheremu, David Kutyauripo (Shooting Stars), Herbert Dick (Bantu Rovers), Asani Nhongo (Monomotapa), Method Mwanjali, Gilbert Mapemba (CAPS United), Zephaniah Ngodzo (Highlanders).
Midfielders: Mthulisi Maphosa, Chris Semakweri (Monomotapa), Carrington Gomba, Benjamin Marere, Wonder Sithole (Dynamos), Thabani Kamusoko (Njube Sundowns) Tafadzwa Rusike (CAPS United), Ramson Zhuwawo (Gunners), Bhekimpilo Ncube (Motor Action), Archieford Gutu (Ajax Cape Town).
Strikers: Nyasha Mushekwi (CAPS United), Cuthbert Malajila, Phillip Marufu, Evans Gwekwerere (Dynamos) Tawanda Nyamandwe (Monomotapa), Norman Maroto (Gunners).
Technical: Sunday Chidzambwa (head coach), Joey Antipas (assistant coach), Emmanuel Nyahuma (goalkeepers coach), Thompson Matenda (fitness trainer), Sharrif Mussa (general manager), Edward Chagonda (team doctor), Lloyd Maungwa (physiotherapist).
Post published in: Football