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Barry Daka

Sikhumbuzo Moyo Senior Sports Reporter
EXPERIENCED and well respected Mighty Warriors’ technical advisor Barry Daka has been shockingly left out of the Olympic Games-bound squad despite being instrumental in the team’s maiden qualification for the biggest sporting showcase in the world.

The football delegation is made up 18 players and seven officials who will be led by head coach Shadreck Mlauzi.

There are two assistant coaches, Sithethelelwe Sibanda and little-known Yohane Chikaola, goalkeepers’ coach Peter Masibera, doctor Dorothy Masawi, physiotherapist Sharon Mashingaidze and team manageress Charity Mudzviti.

“Talk to the officials, they are the best people to comment on what is happening,” said Daka.

Zifa communications manager Xolisani Gwesela also could not commit himself but referred all questions to the Zimbabwe Olympic Committee chief executive officer Anna Mguni who said her organisation does not do any selection but it’s the associations involved.

“As Zoc we were given a list of seven officials by Zifa which did not have Daka, its not us who do the selection but the association themselves and if Daka is to go, the cost has to be carried by Zifa, not us because we don’t have that budget and in any event, tournament regulations require that we have 18 athletes and seven officials,” said Mguni.

She said there was nothing personal about the dropping of the former Highlanders player and veteran coach.

Mguni said Daka can still find his way to Rio, Brazil if Zifa secures his air ticket.

Zimbabwe will be sending a delegation of 57 people – 31 athletes and 26 officials – which is one of the biggest contingents the country has sent to the Games.

The team will be travelling in batches with chef de mission Titus Zvomuya and administrative officer Memory Pakati expected to leave for Rio de Janeiro tomorrow.

Michael Nicholson, a shotist and his coach Stuart Sylvester are flying out on Monday while the football team will leave on July 26 and the last batch of athletes for athletics leaves on August 18.

Foreign based athletes will be flying to Brazil from their respective bases.

Mighty Warriors

Kudakwashe Bhasopo, Eunice Chibanda, Chido Dzingirai, Erina Jeke, Daisy Kaitano, Rejoice Kapfumvuti, Lindiwe Magwede, Rutendo Makore, Sheila Makoto, Talent Mandaza, Emmaculate Msipa, Lynett Mutokuto, Felistas Muzongondi, Rudo Neshamba, Marjory Nyaumwe, Samkelisiwe Zulu, Mavis Chirandu, Nobuhle Majika.

Football Technical Team:

Shadreck Mlauzi (head coach), Sithethelelwe Sibanda (assistant coach), Yohane Chikaola (assistant coach), Peter Masibera (goalkeeper’s coach), Dorothy Masawi (doctor), Sharon Mashingaidze (physiotherapist), Charity Mudzviti (manager).