INTERIM Warriors coach Rahman Gumbo has included Charlton Athletic midfielder Bradley Pritchard in his 30-man squad for the Warriors’ next Africa Cuip of Nations and World Cup qualifiers.
Pritchard, who recently helped his side win automatic promotion to the English Championship, joins 12 other foreign-based players named in the squad by Gumbo on Wednesday.
Speaking to New Zimbabwe.com last month, Pritchard said he was keen to be involved with the Warriors.
“I would really like to be involved,” the 26-year-old said. “I am Zimbabwean and I just want to represent my country and help us qualify for the next Nations Cup and FIFA World Cup finals.”
Meanwhile, ZIFA confirmed Gumbo would be in charge of the next three Warriors assignments between June 3 and 24 in the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations and 2014 World Cup qualifiers.
This follows revelations that former coach Norman Mapeza has effectively been sacked and would be called to answer charges of insubordination after failing to report to work since his suspension over suspected involvement match fixing allegations.
“Rahman will be in charge of the entire campaign for all the tournaments that are lined up,” ZIFA chief executive Jonathan Mashingaidze said.
“These are the 2013 Nations Cup and the World Cup campaign including the 2012 edition of the Cosafa Senior Men Challenge.
Regarding Mapeza, the ZIFA boss added: “Mapeza was officially employed by Zifa in 2010 but has not been reporting for duty at the office and as such faces insubordination charges.
“We are a serious organisation where people cannot be seen to be doing what they want. He will therefore be dealt with accordingly by his employers, regardless of the outcome of the Asiagate investigation.”
Gumbo was in charge of the 2-1 loss to Burundi in the 2013 Afcon qualifier on February 29 and will seek to overturn the deficit. His chances have been buoyed by the clearance of three key players in the ongoing Asiagate match fixing probe.
Khama Billiat, Ovidy Karuru and Willard Katsande have bounced back after missing the trip to Burundi.
WARRIORS SQUAD
Foreign-based players: Tapuwa Kapini (AmaZulu, SA), Onismor Bhasera (Plymouth Argyle, UK), Carrington Nyadombo (AmaZulu, SA), Bradley Pritchard (Charlton Athletic, UK), Vusa Nyoni (Germinal Beerschot, Bel), Terrence Mandaza (Platinum Stars, SA), Arnold Chaka (Mochudi Centre Chiefs, Bots), Knowledge Musona (Hoffeinheim, Ger), Tinashe Nengomasha, Khama Billiat (Ajax Cape Town, SA), Ovidy Karuru (US Boulogne, Fra), Willard Katsande (Kaizer Chiefs, SA), Oscar Machapa (Moroka Swallows, SA) Archford Gutu (Kalmar, Sweden)
Local contingent: Njabulo Nyoni (Chicken Inn), Marlon Jani (Motor Action), Timothy Sibanda (Hwange), Kuda Mahachi Tapuwa Khumbuyani (Caps United), Godfrey Moyo (Motor Action), Partson Jaure (Dynamos), Nyasha Mukumbi (Caps United), Simon Munawa (Highlanders), Denver Mukamba (Dynamos), Charles Sibanda, (FC Platinum), Kuda Mahachi (Chicken Inn), Ronald Chitiyo (Monomotapa) Welcome Ndiweni (FC Platinum), Rodwell Chinyengetere (Hwange) Takesure Chinyama (Dynamos), Francisco Zvikumbawire (Hwange)