Mhlauri recalls Bekithemba Ndlovu for Morocco tie

Mhlauri recalls Bekithemba Ndlovu for Morocco tie

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By Nkanyiso Moyo

CHARLES Mhlauri has named a squad of 29 players for Zimbabwe's do-or-die clash with Morocco in an African Cup of Nations Group 12 qualifier to be played at Rufaro Stadium on March 24.

Former Highlanders captain Bekithemba Ndlovu has been recalled after splendid performances for South African club, Silver Stars.

The team assembles in Harare on Sunday, with late comers expected on Monday morning.

Warriors coach Mhlauri sought to strike the right mix of youth and experience in coming up with his squad, although most of the players will be dropped for the match.

Those called up include the duo of Vusa Nyoni and Honour Gombami who play for Belgian club Cercle Brugge, Cephas Chimedza, the Cyprus-based duo of Noel Kaseke and gangly striker Musa Mguni, and the United States-based Joseph Ngwenya.

Ngwenya has had trials with Spanish side Getafe.

Former Highlanders shot stopper Tapuwa Kapini, now a regular at Silver Stars in South Africa, will be deputised by Tafadzwa Dube and Washington Arubi.

Herbert Dick and Dickson Choto are set to be part of the central defence equation, which also has Supersport’s James Matola, Santos’ Zvenyika Makonese and Ndlovu.

Kaizer Chiefs’ Tinashe Nengomasha, Sundowns’ Esrom Nyandoro, CAPS United’s Method Mwanjali, David Kutyauripo of CAPS United, Onesimo Bhasera and Charles Yohane are also in contention for places.

Former captain Peter Ndlovu, Edward Sadomba of Dynamos, Joel Luphahla and skipper Benjani Mwaruwari, the player with the highest profile who turns out for Portsmouth in the English Premiership, will lead the attack and could find himself partnered with Shingi Kawondera, Mguni or Gilbert Mushangazhike.

Zimbabwe anchor Group 12 and are desperate for a win to stay in contention for another dance at the Nations Cup finals to be held in Ghana next year after losing their first match 1-0 to Malawi.

“We have gone for experience and exposure. We have tried to assemble a squad of tried and tested players that we are hopeful should get us a win against Morocco," Sharif Mussa, the Warriors' liaison officer said Tuesday.

“We hope the players will turn up and train at their best and we believe we came up with the best team. The coaches have been unable to assess all the players at their respective clubs and leagues, that is why we have called up a big squad. We want to pick the best team to do us proud against Morocco."

Squad
T Kapini, W Arubi, T Dube, B Ndlovu, O Bhasera, J Matola, Z Makonese, H Dick, D Choto, C Yohane, D Kutyauripo, N Kaseke, M Mwanjali, P Ndlovu, E Nyandoro, C Gomba, T Nengomasha, V Nyoni, H Gombami, J Ngwenya, C Matawu, E Sadomba, S Kawondera, E Gwekwerere, G Mushangazhike, B Mwaruwari, C Chimedza, J Luphahla, M Mguni

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