Mapeza leaves out foreign-based players

Mapeza leaves out foreign-based players

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By Nkanyiso Moyo

WARRIORS' caretaker coach Norman Mapeza has dumped foreign-based players for the dead rubber African Cup of Nations qualifier against Malawi, and named a youthful squad to face the Flames at Bulawayo's Barbourfields Stadium on September 9.

The Warriors crashed out of the qualifiers having lost in Malawi in the opening match, drawing at home to eventual winners Morocco before losing 2-0 away to the Atlas Lions.

Missing from the squad are captain Benjani Mwaruwari, Esrom Nyandoro, Shingi Kawondera, Tapuwa Kapini and Peter Ndlovu.

The 20 team squad features players mostly under the age of 25 and Mapeza has clearly stuck with the team that travelled to Mozambique, with the inclusion of the CAPS United duo of Lionel Mtizwa and goalkeeper Tsungi
Mudzamiri, who were on duty in Malaysia.

Masvingo United stopper Tafadzwa Dube has also been included to join former teammate Washington Arubi.

Mapeza's squad is made up of mostly rookies with just a few players, Motor Action's Clement Matawu and CAPS United captain Method Mwanjali the only one's with relative experience.

The Warriors are bottom of the three-team Group 12 with only a point and will be desperate for a win that could also improve their World rankings.

The Warriors, under Charles Mhlauri's reign, have plunged out of the top 100, which could prove a major disaster for any player wishing to play in the European top leagues.

Warriors captain Mwaruwari will not play within the English leagues if he is to move from Portsmouth as Zimbabwe currently don't meet the requirements for a player to acquire a work permit.

Only players from those countries with a World ranking of 75 or below standing qualify for a work permit.