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Teenage Hadebe

Ricky Zililo Senior Sports Reporter
PREMIER Soccer League clubs have once again refused to release players to the Young Warriors’ who are preparing for the African Games’ qualifiers’ return leg against Cameroon in Doula next week.Zimbabwe’s national Under-23 side carries a slender 1-0 lead.

Injury-hit Bulawayo giants Highlanders have recalled midfielder Nqobizitha Masuku from camp with the Bosso coach Bongani Mafu saying the decision  was made after realisation that he has a “weak”  squad.

According to Young Warriors’ manager Charles Mukaronda, Chicken Inn had also withdrawn defender Lawrence Mhlanga who partnered injured Highlanders centre back Teenage Hadebe when they beat Cameroon 1-0 but later released him to join the national side.

The Gamecocks gaffer Joey “Mafero” Antipas said he gave Mhlanga his blessings to report for the Young Warriors camp.

“I’m one person who believes that playing for the national team gives one exposure and if Lawrence impressed the guys there then he can go. I’ve enough cover in my team and what I wish for is that Lawrence be part of the national team so that he can get lots of caps which may enable him to move abroad,” said Antipas.

Mhlanga has proved to be a reliable central defender for both club and country.

His departure for the national team presents Guide Goddard and Ben Nyahunzi with opportunities to prove their mettle at Chicken Inn.

The Young Warriors technical team manager was grateful to FC Platinum who released their midfield duo of Wisdom Mutasa — scorer against Cameroon —and Walter Musona.

Hopes are high that FC Platinum, who will be involved in a Caf Confederation Cup game against Young Africans of Tanzania on Saturday, will also release Kevin Moyo who will then be an automatic replacement for the injured Hadebe.

Also expected to join camp at a later stage is Hwange striker Pritchard Mphelele who is not feeling well.

“If Mphelele recovers from chicken pox then we’ll travel with him. We’re also waiting for the arrival of Gerald Takwana who is coming from Tsholotsho FC and has been sorting some personal matters,” said Mukaronda.

Only 15 players were in camp yesterday with Dynamos having three players — goalkeeper Tatenda Mukuruva, Blessing Moyo and Carlos Rusere while FC Platinum, ZPC Kariba, Triangle and Harare City contributed two players each.

The Sunshine City Boys, who take on Whawha tomorrow, released Munyaradzi Nyenye-Diro and Tino Kadewere.

Kelvin Kaindu of Triangle also released Praise Tonha and Marlvin Gaki while ZPC Kariba will do without Terrence Gonzo and Samuel Makawa.

Mgcini Sibanda of How Mine returns to the Young Warriors fold.

After qualifiers, the Young Warriors begin their campaign for the Rio Olympics.

The road to Rio for the Young Warriors starts with a date against Swaziland in the African Under-23 Championships preliminary round on the weekend of April 24-26 after which the winner will proceed to face South Africa in the next round.

Young Warriors in camp

Tatenda Mukuruva, Blessing Moyo, Carlos Rusere (Dynamos), Ackim Abdul (Australia), Terrence Gonzo, Samuel Makawa (ZPC Kariba), Tino Kadewere, Munyaradzi Nyenye-Diro (Harare City), Liberty Chakaruma (Buffaloes), Marlvin Gaki, Praise Tonha (Triangle), Mgcini Sibanda (How Mine), Gerald Takwana (Tsholotsho FC), Walter Musona, Wisdom Mutasa (FC Platinum)