Mwaruwari joines Warriors training

Mwaruwari joines Warriors training

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By Nkanyiso Moyo

ZIMBABWE captain Benjani Mwaruwari joined camp in Harare on Tuesday as the Warriors began their preparations for the crucial African Cup of Nations qualifier against Morocco in Harare on Sunday.

Warriors assistant manager Sharif Mussa said all players, except Musa Mguni, who plays for Omonia in Cyprus, had arrived for camp.

“Zvenyika Makonese, James Matola, Shingi Kawondera and Evans Gwekwerere arrived on Sunday, (Gilbert) Mushangazhike also came in at the weekend, while the rest of the player from South Africa arrived on Monday evening.

“Vusa Nyoni, Honour Gombami and Cephas Chimedza arrived on Tuesday morning from Belgium and attended the first training session and we are happy about that as well. Things are smooth for now because the captain has also joined camp,” he said.

The other players from South Africa include Kaizer Chiefs’ Tinashe Nengomasha, former captain Peter Ndlovu and Esrom Nyandoro of Mamelodi Sundowns and the Silver Stars trio of Bekithemba Ndlovu, Tapuwa Kapini and Joel Luphahla, Shingi Kawondera and James Matola of SuperSport, Zvenyika Makonese of Santos and Onesimo Bhasera of Maritzburg United.

The Warriors desperately need to win against the Atlas Lions to revive their hopes for a place at the 2008 Nations Cup in Ghana.

Highlanders and national Under-23 goalkeeper Washington Arubi was also expected to join camp late on Tuesday after arriving from Cairo, Egypt, where his team had been involved in the Africa Champions League.

National coach Charles Mhlauri is expected to release three Under 23 players-Gwekwerere, Arubi and Bhasera for the Young Warriors Olympic qualifier against Cameroon on Sunday in Yaounde.

“That matter will be discussed after a full day’s training session between Charles and the Under 23 coach, but we do not expect any problems. Both games are very important to the nation and we must make sure that the best players are available for both teams,” Mussa said.

Of the local players, only Method Mwanjali has been ruled out through injury.

Morocco are expected in the country on Friday and will have a day’s training session at Rufaro -- the venue of the match after the National Sports Stadium was closed for renovations.

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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