WILLARD Katsande will complete his return to the Warriors on Sunday when he lines up for the national side in a 2014 World Cup qualifier against Mozambique at Rufaro.
Frozen out by former coach, German Klaus Pagels, the Kaizer Chiefs hard-man is the only foreigner in Ian Gorowa’s team which otherwise comprises local lads who qualified for the 2014 African Nations Championships (Chan) finals.
Katsande was part of the Warriors team that paid a call on Zifa president and national team benefactor Cuthbert Dube at his offices in Harare Friday afternoon.
The locally based Warriors were given $12,000 by Dube to share, translating to $400 per player, being $100 for the home draw against Zambia in the final qualifier and $300 for the 1-0 win over the same team in the second leg that ensured qualification.
Harare businessman Farai Jere chipped in with $10,000 which will give the players a further $200 ahead of Sunday’s match.
Said Katsande. “It’s good to be back and I want to a make a winning return to the team. We did not have much time together as a team but I am sure [playing at home will give us some
advantage.
“I don’t have any hard feelings about being left out. Every coach has a player that he prefers and football is teamwork. You have to support those that are playing.”
Katsande last donned the Warriors colours in June 2012 against Burundi under then coach Rahman Gumbo where he was shown the red card for an off the ball incident.
The Warriors had their first full training on Friday due to midweek Premier Soccer League matches and would have to train again on Saturday a situation that did not impress coach, Ian Gorowa.
“We need to take these matches seriously and give these players proper preparations,” he said.
“We have a good team that we are building and the more they stay together the better. But anyway, we just have to do with these two days we have been given,” he said.
The PSL’s contention is that the league needs to finish by November 30 so that Gorowa gets five full weeks of training for next year’s Chan finals which will begin on January 11. The draw is on September 18 in Cairo.
Meanwhile, key players Charles Sibanda, Hardlife Zvirekwi and Ali Sadiki struggled with injuries at Friday’s training session.
Team physio Farai Muguwe said the trio has slight knocks from midweek matches and travelling fatigue, but was confident they would make the match.Advertisement