By Sheldon Hakata
THE Zimbabwe Men’s Senior National Soccer team, The Warriors will be seeking to put on another convincing performance when they travel to Lesotho for the return leg of the 2020 of the African Nations Championship (CHAN) today.
They are carrying a seemingly hefty 3-1 lead.
The Warriors hammered the hapless Crocodiles courtesy of a fine brace by Highlanders’ star striker Prince Dube and a strike from Black Rhinos forward Wellington Taderera at the National Sports Stadium last month.
But it is Lesotho striker Kalare Hlompo’s late penalty that brought The Crocodiles back in contention ahead of the return leg.
And The Warriors will have to guard against complacency given that a two goal win by Lesotho will dump Zimbabwe out of running for the tournament that has proved in recent to be a springboard for contracts out of the country.
CHAN is exclusively reserved for home-grown players to showcase their talent and market themselves to more competitive leagues.
This is a wonderful opportunity to exhibit the best soccer talent on offer and a landmark development which could see local players being scouted out of Zimbabwe.
It would be good for the country to see local players seconded to foreign leagues and the current legion of local players from the team stand a better chance of making the grade.
Players who include roving winger Phineas Bhamusi and Prince Dube, the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League (PSL) standout players so far this season are widely expected to come to the party and impress scouts if The Warriors cast Lesotho aside.
Such tournaments are largely credited for opening the way for Zimbabwean players across the continent.
Players like South African-based Kaizer Chiefs talisman Khama Billiat, Ronald Pfumbidzai, Aston Villa midfielder Marvelous Nakamba, Abbas Amidu to mention a few have featured in this tournament.
The biennial football tourney will be held in Cameroon around January and February next year.
Zimbabwe have participated in four editions of the CHAN tournament.
In the previous 2018 edition Zimbabwe missed out after they lost to Namibia on penalties in the final qualifying round.
In contrast, Lesotho are hoping for their debut appearance in the unlikely event that they overcome their opponents Today.
It was unfortunate that the national team failed to get a friendly match during the international break for national team coach Joey Antipas to assess his players for combinations.
The Zimbabwe national soccer team struggled for rhythm in the first and eventually conceded a late goal in the second half.
The Crocodiles ‘goal leaves the game still in balance.
The inclusion of CAPS United midfield maestro Joel Ngodzo and Dynamos talisman Evans Katema might add some depth to the team today.
The unpredictable Lesotho side dumped neighbours South Africa 6-2 on aggregate in the previous round.
Zimbabwe pin their hopes on enterprising CAPS United winger Phineas Bhamusi, Chicken Inn’s Valentine Kadonzvo, Rhinos’ Taderera.
Highlanders’ goal-getter Prince Dube has continued with his goal-scoring streak regularly featuring on the scoresheet for his club and country.
Provisional squad
Goalkeepers
Simbarashe Chinami (Dynamos), Ariel Sibanda (Highlanders), Nelson Chadya (Ngezi Platinum Stars).
Defenders
Partson Jaure (Manica Diamonds), Peter Muduwa (Highlanders), Frank Mukarati (Ngezi Platinum Stars), Ian Nekati (ZPC Kariba), MacClive Phiri (Highlanders), Xolani Ndlovu (Chicken Inn), Nomore Chinyerere (Hwange).
Midfielders
Kelvin Madzongwe (FC Platinum), Tichaona Chipunza (Chicken Inn), Nqobizitha Masuku (Highlanders), Sipho Ndlovu (Chicken Inn), Ralph Kawondera (Triangle United), Joel Ngodzo (CAPS United), Juan Mutuda (Herentals), Valentine Kadonzvo (Chicken Inn), Donald Teguru (Ngezi Platinum Stars), Phenias Bhamusi (CAPS United), Leeroy Mavhunga (Yadah Stars), Wellington Taderera (Black Rhinos).
Strikers
Prince Dube (Highlanders), Obriel Chirinda (Chicken Inn), Evans Katema (Dynamos).