Zim mixes youth and experience
Zim mixes youth and experience
Posted: 2009-10-14 14:05
Zimbabwe national team coach Sunday Chidzambwa has opted for a blend of youth and experience, axing seasoned defender David Kutyauripo, in his final squad for the 2009 Cosafa Castle Challenge tournament, which starts at Rufaro on Saturday.
The veteran coach picked a 20-man side that will lead Zimbabwe's bid to win the Cosafa title on home soil.
Zimbabwe will get the two-week Southern African football festival underway when they host Mauritius in a Group A tie at Rufaro on Saturday.
Chidzambwa, who had 33 players in the initial squad that went into camp last Monday, used the first week of training and the Oya! Challenge Cup clash against CAPS United to assess the players at his disposal.
The Warriors coach with the help of his technical team which includes his assistants Joey Antipas and Emmanuel Nyahuma, team manager Sharrif Mussa and team doctor Edward Chagonda settled for a side that blends a number of seasoned players and a few who have not featured regularly for the senior team.
Chidzambwa wants to come up with a strong side that has the capacity to power its way into the Cosafa quarterfinals.
It is against this background that the coach kept faith in youthful players like Chris Semakweri, Gilbert Mapemba, Archieford Gutu, Asani Nhongo, Nyasha Mushekwi and Tafadzwa Rusike.
Chidzambwa blended them with seasoned players like Method Mwanjali, Washington Arubi, Phillip Marufu, Evans Gwekwerere and Ashley Rambanapasi.
In the squad released by Mussaon Tuesday, Chidzambwa also settled for 11 of the players who did not feature for the Warriors in the Oya! Challenge match.
The squad:
Goalkeepers: Washington Arubi (Bantu Rovers), Edmore Sibanda (CAPS United).
Defenders: Zephaniah Ngodzo (Highlanders), Method Mwanjali, Gilbert Mapemba (CAPS United), George Magariro (Dynamos), Daniel Vheremu (Shooting Stars), Asani Nhongo (Monomotapa),
Midfielders: Ashley Rambanapasi, Tafadzwa Rusike, (CAPS United), Archieford Gutu (Ajax Cape Town), Chris Semakweri, Mthulisi Maphosa (Monomotapa), Benjamin Marere (Dynamos), Thabani Kamusoko (Njube Sundowns), Ramson Zhuwawo (Gunners).
Strikers: Cuthbert Malajila, Phillip Marufu, Evans Gwekwerere (Dynamos), Nyasha Mushekwi (CAPS United).
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