Nkana defender Gilroy Takudzwa Chimwemwe and Zesco United midfielder Thabani Kamusoko have been included Zimbabwe’s African Cup of Nations squad.
And FIFA will make a decision to ban Zimbabwe from football activities should the Sports and Recreation Commission, SRC not reverse it’s decision to suspend the Zimbabwe Football Association, ZIFA executive committee by January 3, 2022.
Chimwemwe has been impressive for Nkana in his new found role as a right wing back in coach Beston Chambeshi’s 3-5-2 formation.
The 29 year has already scored 2 goals for Kalampa including an injury time equaliser against Buildcon a fortnight ago.
Kamusoko has had an average season at Zesco United after leading the Ndola side to their 8th league title.
Meanwhile Zimbabwe coach Norman Mapeza has made several changes from the team that competed in the Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against South Africa and Ethiopia.
The obvious absentee was Khama Billiat who announced his retirement from international football in November, a day after the Warriors completed their World Cup qualifiers campaign.
Aston Villa midfielder Marvelous Nakamba, Tawanda Maswanhise of Leicester City, Marshal Munetsi who plays for Stade de Reims and Wigan Athletic’s Tendayi Darikwa have also been omitted from the squad through injuries, while captain Knowledge Musona returns to lead the team.
The Warriors will be playing in Group B of the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations where they are pitted against Senegal, Guinea and fellow COSAFA region side Malawi. Zimbabwe will open their campaign against The Teranga Lions Senegal on January 10 at the Bafoussam Omnisport Stadium.
Provisional squad
Goalkeepers: Petros Mhari (FC Platinum), Martin Mapis (FC Zamora), Talbert Shumba (Free State Stars), Taimon Mvula (Dynamos)
Defenders: Peter Muduwa (Highlanders), Alec Mudimu (Torpedo Kutaisi), TakudzwaChimwemwe (Nkana), Jordan Zemura (AFC Bournemouth), Tapiwa Sibanda (Cranborne), Godkknows Muriwa, Frank Makarati (Dynamos), Gerald Takwara (Venda Football Academy), Tenage Hadebe (Houston Dynamo), Bruce Kangwa (Azam), Onismor Bhasera (Supersport United)
Midfielders: Temptation Chiwunga (JDR Stars), Kelvin Madzongwe (FC Platinum), Bill Antonio (Dynamos), Thabani Kamusoko (Zesco United), Never Tigere (Azam), Kudakwashe Mahachi (Supersport United), Shepherd Mhlanga (Chicken Inn), Ishmael Wadi (JDR Stars), Panashe Mutimbanyoka (FC Platinum)
Forwards: Admiral Muskwe (Luton Town), Knox Mutizwa (Golden Arrows), Prince Dube (Azam), David Moyo (Hamilton Academical), Knowledge Musona (Al Tai), Tinotenda Kadewere (Olympique Lyonnais)
[CAFONLINE]
Zimbabwe would have benefited hugely having Aston Villa midfielder Marvelous Nakamba, Tawanda Maswanhise of Leicester City, I have watched the young man from Leicester City who plays for the U21 team. He is a gem and deadly on the left wing. Saw him play during preseason for the Seniors and also some highlights in the Juniour team this season. Sad also that Khama is retiring when he has so much to offer as a player.
All the best to our bothers across the Zambezi. It high time they went to AFCON and compete instead of making numbers.