HARARE – Joey Antipas set his stall as the new Zimbabwe coach on Tuesday, announcing his first squad for the Warriors’ 2022 World Cup preliminary round qualifier against Somalia next month.
Zimbabwe face Somalia in the first leg in Djibouti on September 5, because Somalia is prevented from hosting its home games inside the country owing to security concerns.
There is no place for goalkeepers George Chigova and Edmore Sibanda in the new Warriors set-up, while skipper Knowledge Musona was also overlooked.
Antipas is keen to use only players who command starting positions at their clubs.
Baroka goalkeeper Elvis Chipezeze appears to be Antipas’ choice for goal, and will be deputised by Chapungu shot stopper Talbert Shumba.
There is a first call-yup for Highlanders right-back McClive Phiri, who might get a runout with teammate Peter Muduhwa who is also recalled to the Warriors.
Kaizer Chiefs star forward Khama Billiat keeps his position in the team along with other stand-out performers from June’s Africa Cup of Nations like defenders Divine Lunga and Teenage Hadebe.
Right back Tendayi Darikwa of Nottingham Forest is out with injury.
The Warriors camp starts on September 2.
Meanwhile, Under 23 coach Tonderai Ndiraya has announced a provisional 27-member squad to prepare for their game away to South Africa on September, with the return leg due for Barbourfields Stadium on September 10.
Zimbabwe World Cup Qualifiers Team
Goalkeepers: Elvis Chipezeze (Baroka); Talbert Shumba (Chapungu)
Defenders: Teenage Hadebe (Yeni Malatyaspor); Macclive Phiri (Highlanders); Peter Muduwa (Highlanders); Alec Mudimu (CEFN Druids AFC); Divine Lunga (Lamontville Golden Arrows)
Midfielders: Marshall Munetsi (Stade de Reims); Thabani Kamusoko (Zesco United); Kudakwashe Mahachi (SuperSport United); Tichaona Chipunza (Chicken Inn); Phenias Bamusi (CAPS United); Khama Billiat (Kaizer Chiefs)
Strikers: Tinotenda Kadewere (Le Havre AC); Clive Augusto (Maritzburg United); Terrence Dzvukamanja (Bidvest Wits); Admiral Muskwe (Leicester City); Evans Rusike (Supersport United)
Under-23 Provisional Squad
Goalkeepers: Martin Mapisa (Velez CF) Tinotenda Ali (Yadah Stars) Nelson Chadya (Ngezi Platinum Stars)
Defenders: Mbongeni Ndlovu (Highlanders) Emmanuel Jalai (Dynamos) Munashe Garan’anga (Ubuntu Cape Town) Andrew Mbeba (Highlanders) Tawanda Chisi (Dynamos) Shadreck Nyahwa (Bulawayo Chiefs) Romario Matova (FK Igman) Keith Mutandagari (Cranborne) Gilbert Nyaupembe
Midfielders: Juan Mutudza (Herentals) Tatenda Tavengwa (Harare City) Blessing Sarupinda (Caps United) Hagiazo Magaya (FC Platinum) Abubakar Moffat (Velez CF) Tinotenda Benza (Herentals) Leeroy Mavunga (Yadah Stars) Nigel Katawa (Dynamos) Anelka Chivandire (Triangle) Clive Rupiya (Caps United)
Strikers: Prince Dube (Highlanders) Obriel Chirinda (Chicken Inn) Wilfred Muvirimi (Harare City) Delic Murimba (Triangle) Jonah Fabisch (Hamburger SV)
