Pasuwa calls up Australia-based goalkeeper

HARARE – The Zimbabwe Under-23 team coach Callisto Pasuwa has called unheralded Australia-based goalkeeper Akim Abdular in a provisional squad to begin preparations for the All-Africa Games qualifier against Cameroon later this month.

Abdular plays for Sunshine Dodges in Australia and is one of the two new goalkeepers that the technical team intend to have a look at ahead of the assignment.

Harare City’s youthful goalminder Tatenda Gwademba was also called in the squad at the expense of Dynamos’ new recruit Tonderai Mateyaunga who was part of the training squad that was called last month for the abortive preliminary round clash against Swaziland.

Zimbabwe will now host Cameroon in the All-Africa Games after receiving a bye into the first round and the first leg of that encounter has been set for the weekend of March 21-22 at Rufaro.

The Young Warriors were supposed to begin their campaign against Swaziland, but the match could not take place after their opponents withdrew because of financial challenges.

However, Pasuwa and his men are looking to make good use of the little time they have to prepare for this tough assignment against the West African giants. The locally-based Young Warriors started trooping into camp yesterday and are scheduled to start training this morning.

The Young Warriors technical team called up a 26-member squad comprising the core of the team which played three international friendly matches against Botswana, Morocco and Swaziland last year. They also added eight recruits, both from the local scene and abroad.

How Mine defender, Morris Kadzola is another new face brought in to fight for a place in the Olympic side while Douglas Sibanda and Munyaradzi Diro Nyenye were dropped. Buffaloes’ Liberty Chakoroma has been recalled to fight for his place in defence.

Meanwhile, the Mighty Warriors also began camp yesterday in preparation for their women’s version of the tournament against Ghana. Rosemary Mugadza’s 25 players started trooping into camp yesterday with a squad comprising of mainly National Super League players.

Young Warriors

Goalkeepers: Tatenda Mukuruva (Dynamos), Bernard Donovan How Mine), Tatenda Gwademba (Harare City), Akim Abdular (Sunshine Dodges, Australia)

Defenders: Blessing Moyo Dynamos), Morris Kadzola (How Mine), Ronald Pfumbidzayi (CAPS United), Liberty Chakoroma (Buffaloes), Kelvin Moyo (FC Platinum), Teenage Hadebe (Highlanders)

Midfielders: Nqobizitha Masuku (Highlanders), Kudzai Nyamupfukudza (CAPS United), Wisdom Mutasa ( FC Platinum, Captain), Carlos Rusere (Dynamos), Walter Musona (FC Platinum), Malvern Gaki (Triangle) Takudzwa Mahori (CAPS United), Emmanuel Mandiranga (FC Platinum), Talent Chawapihwa (Harare City), Kudakwashe Mahachi (Mamelodi Sundowns, South Africa), Marvelous Nakamba (Vitesse, Netherlands), Macaulley Bonne (Colchester United, England)

Forwards: Pritchard Mphelele (Hwange), Judar Rashirai (Real Salt Lake Academy), Thomas Chidhewu (Highlanders)

Mighty Warriors

Pamela Mhlanga, Bokani Sibanda, Samelenkosi Ncube (Hwange Ladies), Melody Musasa, Emmaculate Msipa, Chido Muhara (Mufakose Queens), Felistas Muzongondi (Cyclone Stars, ) Marjory Nyaumwe, Chido Dzingirai, Erina Jeke, Samukeliswe Zulu (Flame Lily Queens), Mavis Chirandu, Moleen Murandu (Auckland Queens), Rudo Neshamba, Nobuhle Majika, Rejoyce Kapfumvuti (Inline Academy), Berita Kabwe, Deliwe Makaha (Tenax Queens), Sheila Makoto, Tafadzwa Tsunguro (Blue Swallows), Linah Dube(ZRP Harare Province), Fortunate Kandarira (ZRP Morris Queens). The Herald