The players who ply their trade in the South African Premiership’s ABSA argued that the move is surprising and detrimental considering their experience and loyalty to the national cause over the years.Recently-appointed Brazilian born coach Georgini, popularly known as Valinhos, this week made sweeping changes to the squad when he named a 25-member team of players whom he believes will be vital in the team’s quest to qualify for the historic tournament in South Africa. There was no place for Mamelodi Sundowns star and Zimbabwe caps and goals record holder, Peter Ndlovu, Kaizer Chiefs’ Tinashe Nengomasha as well as the Platinum Stars pair of Bekithemba Ndlovu and Joel Luphahla, the mainstay of The Warriors in recent years. Platinum Stars defender Ndlovu said he was not deterred by the omission but nonetheless added that experienced players were supposed to play a pivotal role in the success of Zimbabwean football.The former Highlanders player revealed that he was surprised by the omission of his namesake Peter, despite his wealth of experience.
“I have no problem. I have done the best for my country for the past years. I will always be available if the coach needs my services,” the 31-year-old, a campaigner at two African Nations Cups and several CAF Champions League outings said. “We need guys like Peter among others in the team to create a blend of youth and experience in the team.”Luphahla, recently recovered from a career-threatening injury concurred that experience would be key to the revival of the Warriors.The lanky midfielder, together with his South African based counterparts, were pivotal in The Warriors’ first qualification for Zimbabwe’s African Nations Cup in 2004 after 24 years of underachievement.Â
They were also instrumental in ensuring that the team made it two finals participation in a row by leading the country to the 2006 edition in Egypt.”Experience will be vital to the rebuilding of a successful team. They will give us a call if they realise the importance of that. At the moment, let us wait and find out what happens,” said Luphahla, a scorer of the winning goal that secured Zimbabwe’s first-ever victory in a Nations Cup finals- a 2-1 win over Algeria at the 2004 finals in Tunisia. Meanwhile there was a place in the team for South African-based leftback Onismor Bhasera (Kaizer Chiefs), Sundowns midfield grafter Esrom Nyandoro and Stars goalminder Tapuwa Kapini as well as Free State Srats’ Kingston Nkatha, James Matolaand Santos’ Zvenyika Makonese. Perennial soccer underachievers Zimbabwe are chasing only a third Nations Cup appearance and a maiden appearance at the FIFA World Cup finals-28 years after affiliating to FIFA.They are pooled in Group 2 of the 2010 qualifiers together with Guinea, Namibia and Kenya-CAJ News.