The only team in the Lowveld region, Triangle United Fc has failed to register a single player in the warriors team to represent the nation at the COSAFA ‘s 20th edition scheduled for July in South Africa.
By Costain Shamu
On Tuesday, the warriors gaffer, Logarusic Zdravko, announced a 23 men squad without any Triangle United Fc player to face visitors Senegal, Mozambique and Namibia on a tournament set for July 7 – 18.
Zimbabwe will kick start their campaign with a game against Mozambique on July 8, before facing Namibia on July 11, while the final showdown of the group will be against the Lions of Teranga 3 days later.
The absence of Triangle United Fc players came as no big surprise as their recent performances have been below expections.
This season hasn’t been sweet for the Shuga Shuga boys as they are languishing on third place in the Chibuku Super Cup group, with only a consolation point to show from their draw against newcomers Whawha Fc.
Playing away from home, facing Ngezi Platinum and red hot favorites Fc Platinum at their fortified Mandava Stadium has been a mammoth task for Taurai Mangwiro’s men as they started with two consecutive defeats before earning a point against Whawha Fc.
The 2018 Chibuku Super Cup winners still have the slimmest of chances to progress to the quarter finals with half of the tournament gone but it will also require other results to go their way.
With 3 games to play and 2 slots up for the taking, the team has only one point whilst the odds are with both the Platinum miners as they have 7 points each.
The Chibuku Super Cup had been halted after a new wave of Covid-19 had been dictated but the Sports and Recreation Commission (SRC) gave the greenlight for the tournament to continue on Tuesday.
The Shuga Shuga boys need to raise their game on their next campaign against Ngezi Platinum Stars to keep their hopes alive and keep an eye open on winning the tournament they won 2 years ago on home soil.
Triangle United Fc will have to acquire maximum points in their return fixtures and hope one of the miners drops favourable points during the course.
The Zimbabwe’s 23-man squad that was announced comprised of 5 players from current Castle Premier League holders, Fc Platinum, while 4 players have been picked from Harare giants, Dynamos Fc who have been playing well in the Chibuku Super Cup.
Zimbabwe 23’man squad announced:
Goalkeepers: Petros Mhari(FC Platinum), Tymon Mvula (Dynamos), Nelson Chadya (Ngezi Platinum Stars)
Defenders: Peter Muduwa (Highlanders), Partson Jaure (Dynamos), Tafadzwa Jaravani (Caps United), Ian Nekati (Chicken inn), Qadr Amini (Ngezi Platinum Stars), Carlos Mavhurume (Caps United), Pawell Govere (Golden Eagles), Andrew Mbeba (Highlanders), Talent Chamboko (Manica Diamonds)
Midfielders: Nyasha Dube (U.S.A), Rodwell Chinyengetere(FC Platinum), Gabriel Nyahwa (Dynamos), Brian Banda (FC Platinum), Silas Songani (F C Platinum), Tatenda Tavengwa (Harare City), King Nadolo (Dynamos), Denver Mukamba (Ngezi Platinum Stars)
Strikers: Obriel Chirinda (Chicken inn), Panashe Mutimbanyoka (FC Platinum), Ishmael Wadi (Caps United)
