Dinha out of Warriors squad for Nigeria clash

Dinha out of Warriors squad for Nigeria clash

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By Ike Tinotenda

ORLANDO Pirates midfielder Edelbert Dinha’s international career is all but over after he was left out of the squad for the final World Cup/African Cup of Nations qualifier match against Nigeria in Abuja next weekend.

Dinha had a fall out with the technical department headed by Charles Mhlauri after he came late for camp in the run up to the match against Rwanda last month. Now the sun appears to have set on the former CAPS United player who is also finding life difficult at Pirates.

The man who replaced him on his right back position Method Mwanjali is among those who will go into camp for the tie against the Super Eagles. The writing was on the wall for Dinha after Mwanjali put a delightful show in the 3-0 win against Rwanda at the National Sports Stadium where he played like a veteran.

Mhlauri announced a strong squad which includes star striker Benjani Mwaruwari and hot shot Shingi Kawondera indicating that he was taking the match against the Nigerians seriously despite the fact that Zimbabwe are out of the World Cup race.

The West Africans need to win while praying that their rivals Angola draw or lose in Kigali against Rwanda to stand any chance of making the trip to Germany next year.

Mhlauri did not call up Germany based right back George Mbwando and Kaizer Chiefs hard man Tinashe Nengomasha who both are believed to be injured. Mbwando flew to the UK three weeks ago to meet up with Mhlauri during Caps United’s tour with Highlanders.

SQUAD

Goalkeepers: E Murambadoro (Unttached), G Muzadzi (Buymore) , T Kapini (Highlanders)

Defenders: Z Makonese (Santos, SA), D Mpofu (Umtata Bush Bucks,SA), M Mwanjali (Shabanie), O Moyo (Hwange), C Chimedza (Germinal Beerschot, Belgium), H Dick (AmaZulu), J Matola (Buymore), C Yohanne (Wits University, SA).

Midfielders: J Lupahla (Supersport United, SA), E Nyandoro (Mamelodi Sundowns, SA), R Sibanda (AmaZulu) , F Chandida (Buymore), C Matawu (Motor Action), H Gombami (Highlanders), A Rambanapasi (CAPS United), L Kurauzvione (Dynamos)

Strikers: B Mwaruwari (AJ Auxerre, France), S Kawondera (unattached), B Badza (Germinal Beerschot, Belgium), S Sandaka (AmaZulu), L Tsipa (CAPS United)
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