HARARE Zimbabwe senior soccer team members convene in Harare tomorrow to begin preparations for the upcoming 2009 Cosafa Challenge Cup tournament which kicks off later this month. (Pictured: England-based Benjani Mwaruwari Was together with other foreign-based players omitted from the team assembled by Chidzambwa)National coach Sunday Mhofu Chidzambwa, who last week named a provisional 32-member Warriors squad for the training camp in the capital, is keeping details of his side a closely guarded secret and was not at liberty to comment when The Zimbabwean on Sunday contacted him.
As you know we last met at CHAN (African Nations Championships) and there has not been any competition since, there is nothing much I can say on the Warriors. I will start knowing on what to expect after we meet for our camp on October 5. For now there isnt anything to talk about, insisted Chidzambwa.
After the inaugural CHAN in Cote dIvoire last February, the Warriors have only played one international friendly against Lesotho on August 12.
With such a drought of international matches, the young side that meet for camp tomorrow faces a tough challenge to make it through to the quarter-finals of the Cosafa Challenge Cup.
But the Warriors have over the years proved a competitive side amassing three regional championship titles to claim their rightful seat among southern Africas football powerhouses.
The Warriors last Cosafa Challenge triumph came in 2005 when they beat their northern neighbours Zambia in a tense final in Mmabatho, South Africa. In 2003, they posted an easy 4-1 aggregate victory over Malawi in a two-legged final.
The hosts will seek to set in motion a successful campaign to reclaim the regional championship title when they face Mauritius in the opening match of Group A at Rufaro Stadium on October 17.
Cosafa Warriors Squad
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