By Eddie Chikamhi
The Warriors coaching staff are keeping their fingers crossed after injured team captain Ocean Mushure was referred to undergo an MRI scan which will determine his availability for the return leg of the Africa Nations Championship qualifier against Namibia this weekend.
Mushure, who is a key member of the team, failed to train yesterday.
The Dynamos man has been complaining of discomfort since returning from Namibia where Zimbabwe lost 0-1 in the first leg. Team manager Wellington Mpandare said the medical team were closely monitoring the defender.
“Ocean has a knee injury, but we hope it’s nothing serious.
He fell during the match against Namibia in the first leg, but he continued to play because it appeared it was nothing serious.
“But then he has been complaining of pain and we have scheduled an appointment with the physician for an MRI scan,” said Mpandare.
The Warriors took their preparations a gear up yesterday under coach Sunday Chidzambwa and his assistants Bongani Mafu and Lloyd Mutasa.
Chidzambwa has called 25 players for the return leg and will settle for the best 18 after a week of training.
Most of the players, including more than half a dozen reinforcements for the do-or-die encounter, have reported for camp as Zimbabwe seek to overturn the deficit.
Chidzambwa yesterday received the likes of Peter Muduhwa of Highlanders, Marshall Mudehwe, Simon Munawa, Innocent Muchaneka, goalkeeper Petros Mhari and youthful Yadah winger Leeroy Mavunga who has returned from Portugal for a trial stint with Benfica.
CAPS United players Ronald Chitiyo, Devon Chafa and Abbas Amidu were expected to join the squad last night after their league match against How Mine.
Chidzambwa also gave the How Mine duo of Praise Tonha and Milton Ncube a similar exemption.
In-form midfielder Talent Chawapiwa missed the morning session as he was working on his passport ahead of his move to South Africa side Baroka.
He was still expected to join the squad, but there were worries over Dynamos midfielder Denver Mukamba who had not communicated his whereabouts by yesterday.
Another midfielder Gerald Takwara, who missed the first leg due to a bout of flu, had also not recovered.
“With Takwara, the chances are getting slim, but the doctors are still checking on him. They are doing their best, but indications are that the player hasn’t shown much improvement.
“So he hasn’t been able to join the team, but if it means that he has failed to make it in time for the game, the coach has called up some reinforcements for the midfield department.
“We still hope that those that have been called will execute the duties,” said Mpandare.
The Warriors are still confident of turning around the deficit at home.
*Squad*
*Goalkeepers:* Herbert Rusawo (Black Rhinos), Petros Mhari (FC Platinum), Takabva Mawaya (Ngezi Platinum).
*Defenders*: Dennis Dauda (Yadah FC), Jimmy Dzingai (Yadah), Jimmy Tigere (Harare City), Divine Lunga (Chicken Inn), Ocean Mushure (Dynamos), Milton Ncube (How Mine), Praise Tonha (How Mine), Peter Muduwa (Highlanders), Jameson Mukombwe (Black Rhinos).
*Midfielders:* Marshall Mudehwe (FC Platinum), Ronald Chitiyo (CAPS Utd), Innocent Mucheneka (Chicken Inn), Simon Munawa (Highlanders), Liberty Chakoroma (Ngezi Platinum),Raphael Manuvire (ZPC Kariba), Talent Chawapihwa (FC Platinum), Denver Mukamba (Dynamos), Leeroy Mavhunga (Yadah), Devon Chafa (CAPS Utd).
*Strikers:* Abbas Amidu (CAPS Utd), Francisco Zekumbawire (ZPC Kariba), Prince Dube (Highlanders). The Herald
