The new coach of the Warriors of Zimbabwe Kaitano Tembo has defended his decision to call top stars for the Unity Cup friendly tournament in London, OwnGoalNigeria.com reports.
It will be his first assignment as the interim coach of the team after replacing Marian Marinica who resigned from his post. They begin their campaign against the defending champions Nigeria.
They will later face one of either India or Jamaica, who will contest the other semi final pending on the result against Nigeria. Tembo is leaving nothing to chance ahead of the tournament.
Speaking ahead of the tournament, Tembo said: “We are approaching it with seriousness and ambition. Playing against strong opposition like Nigeria, as well as Jamaica and India, provides a good test for the team. These are the kind of high-quality matches that help players grow and give us a clear picture of where we are.”
He then went on to explain his squad selection. “We have a good mix of talent,” the coach said in an interview with ZIFA Media. “There is quality in the local league, strong players based in South Africa, and others playing in the UK and beyond.
“Our task is to bring them together, build unity and create a team that plays with purpose and pride.”
He added: “Unity and commitment. When players come into the national team, it is about representing the nation. We need to work together, support each other and give everything on the pitch. That spirit is what defines the Warriors.”
Warriors squad for the Unity Cup:
Goalkeepers:
Marley Tavaziva (Brentford, England)
Future Sibanda (ZPC Kariba, Zimbabwe)
Elvis Chipezeze (Magesi FC, South Africa)
Defenders:
Munashe Garananga (Hibernian FC, Scotland)
Corbin Mthunzi (Ipswich Town, England)
Shane Maroodza (FK Sarajevo, Bosnia & Herzegovina)
Gerald Takwara (Al-Ittihad Misurata, Libya)
Jordan Zemura (Udinese, Italy)
Divine Lunga (Mamelodi Sundowns, South Africa)
Emmanuel Jalai (Durban City FC, South Africa)
Sean Fusire (Sheffield Wednesday, England)
Midfielders:
Mongameli Tshuma (Highlanders FC, Zimbabwe)
Marvelous Nakamba (Sheffield Wednesday, England)
Aboubacar Moffat (Scotland, Zimbabwe)
Jonah Fabisch (Erzgebirge Aue, Germany)
Marshall Munetsi (Paris FC, France)
Tawanda Chirewa (Barnsley FC, England)
Forwards:
Tawanda Maswanhise (Motherwell FC, Scotland)
Prince Dube (Young Africans SC, Tanzania)
Junior Zindoga (TS Galaxy, South Africa)
Bill Antonio (KV Mechelen, Belgium)
Daniel Msendami (Orlando Pirates, South Africa)
Tino Kadewere (Aris Thessaloniki, Greece).
Ade Emmanuel
