HARARE – Zimbabwe senior national football team interim coach Jairos Tapera has assembled a squad full of local players set to do duty for the country in the COSAFA Cup, South Africa next week.
The regional competition is set for Port Elizabeth 26 June to 7 July 2024.
Tapera, who is substantive coach for Manica Diamonds, drafted in five players from the Zimbabwe premiership side.
The new-look Warriors team is dominated by footballers from clubs that are currently performing well in the Zimbabwean premiership.
Former Warriors star player Khama Billiat was not included in the team despite rumours few days ago the Yadah FC player has been approached by Tapera to reconsider his decision to dump the national team.
The COSAFA squad does not include the large contingent of stars plying their trade in European leagues.
It is an unwritten law for Zimbabwean football to draw its COSAFA team around underrated stars from the domestic league.
The COSAFA Cup is the only major international tournament that has been won by the Zimbabwe national team or any local team in the country’s long history of international competition.
Warriors Squad for the COSAFA Cup in Port Elizabeth, South Africa (26 June-7 July 2024)
GOALKEEPERS
Marley Tavaziva (Brentford), Nelson Chadya (Ngezi Platinum), Geoffrey Chitsumba (Manica Diamonds)
DEFENDERS
Shane Maroodza (Huddersfield), Isheanasu Mauchi (Simba Bhora), Tawanda Chisi (Manica Diamonds), Thubelihle Jubani (Manica Diamonds), Farai Banda (Manica Diamonds), Dennis Nhongo (Bikita Minerals)
MIDFIELDERS
Joey Phuthi (Sheffield Wednesday), Tatenda Tavengwa (Venda FC), Leslie Kashitigu (Ngezi Platinum), Richard Hachiro (Ngezi Platinum), Donald Mudadi (Dynamos), Kingsley Mureremba (Caps United), Tinotenda Meke (Greenfuel), Panashe Mutimbanyoka (FC Platinum), Juan Mutudza (FC Platinum)
FORWARDS
Michael Tapera (Manica Diamonds), Never Rauzhi (Bulawayo Chiefs), Takunda Benhura (Ngezi Platinum), Lynoth Chikuhwa (Highlanders)
TECHNICAL TEAM
Jairos Tapera (Head Coach)
Saul Chaminuka (Assistant Coach)
Takesure Chiragwi (Assistant Coach) Zwanai Kawadza (Goalkeepers Coach) Abraham Mbaiwa (Strength & Conditioning) Idzai Muzondo (Team Doctor) Lennon Gwara (Sports Massage Therapist) Simon Marange (Performance Analyst) James Makoni (Performance Analyst) Sunday Chidzambwa (Technical Advisor)
