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Ricky Zililo, Senior Sports Reporter
THE Warriors are expected to group in Harare today for their flight to Kinshasa tomorrow for a crunch 2019 African Cup of Nations qualifier against the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Zimbabwe have back-to-back meetings with DRC; the first leg being played on Saturday and the reverse fixture in Harare on October 16.
Zimbabwe top Group G, tied on four points with DRC, who have an inferior goal difference, and victories against their opponents will give the Warriors firm control of their destiny.

To ensure that the Warriors’ focus is not distracted in both legs, Zifa sent its communications manager Xolisani Gwesela to the DRC yesterday to assess the situation.

“I’m leaving today (yesterday) for the DRC and I’ll welcome the national team when they arrive on Tuesday. All the players are expected to fly into Harare tomorrow (today) and will then leave for DRC on Tuesday,” said Gwesela.

The Warriors opened their qualifiers with an impressive 3-0 home win against Liberia and followed it up with a 1-1 away draw against Congo in Brazzaville.
When Zimbabwe hammered Liberia, Norman Mapeza was in charge of the team assisted by former Ngezi Platinum Stars gaffer Tonderai Ndiraya and Highlanders’ assistant coach Mandla Mpofu.

Veteran Sunday Chidzambwa then took over for the Congo game and will be seeking his first win in DRC. Chidzambwa is assisted by Rahman Gumbo and Lloyd Mutasa, who were both recently axed by their teams South African National First Division side Witbank Spurs and Dynamos respectively.

Warriors have what looks like a strong squad with the return of Belgium-based midfielder Marvelous Nakamba, a major boost for Chidzambwa. Nakamba missed the draw against Congo due to a knee injury and the 24-year-old central midfielder, who is back to full fitness, played in the Uefa Champions League when his Club Brugge side lost 3-1 to Spanish side Atlético Madrid.

Nakamba is expected to jet in alongside captain Knowledge Musona, who plays for Anderlecht in Belgium.
The Warriors’ skipper has not been getting game time at the Belgian giants, as he last featured for them on September 20 when he was substituted in the 83rd minute as Anderlecht lost 0-1 to Spartak Trnava in a Europa League match. Yesterday Musona was an unused substitute when Anderlecht beat Zulte-Waregem 2-1.

Some of the stars expected in camp today are Kaizer Chiefs’ duo of Khama Billiat and Teenage Hadebe, Nottingham Forest right-back Tendai Darikwa and the rest of the South African-based players.

Warriors squad
Goalkeepers: George Chigova (Polokwane City), Donovan Bernard (Ngezi Platinum Stars), Edmore Sibanda (Witbank Spurs)

Defenders: Divine Lunga (Lamontville Golden Arrows), Tendayi Darikwa (Nottingham Forest), Alec Mudimu (CEFN Druids AFC), Ronald Pfumbidzai (Bloemfontein Celtic), Teenage Hadebe (Kaizer Chiefs), Kevin Moyo (FC Platinum), Eric Chipeta (Cape Umoya United), Byron Madzokere (Yadah Stars)

Midfielders: Marshal Munetsi (Orlando Pirates), Tafadzwa Kutinyu (Azam), Danny Phiri (Lamontville Golden Arrows), Richard Hachiro (Herentals), Leeroy Mavunga (Yadah Stars), Ovidy Karuru (Amazulu), Marvelous Nakamba (Club Brugge KV)
Strikers: Khama Billiat (Kaizer Chiefs), Talent Chawapihwa (Baroka), Knowledge Musona (RSC Anderlecht), Terrence Dzukamanja (Bidvest Wits), Knox Mutizwa (Lamontville Golden Arrows).
— @ZililoR