Warriors coach Sunday Chidzambwa, on Tuesday, announced a relatively strong squad for the Afcon qualifier against Congo later this month.
The provisional selection is made up of twenty-eight local and foreign-based players, with South Africa contributing the largest pool. There are no new inclusions in the squad except for Leicester City forward Admiral Muskwe and German-based Kelvin Lunga who are inline to make their international debut.
The likes of captain Knowledge Musona, Khama Billiat, Evans Rusike, Marvelous Nakamba, Alec Mudimu and Teenage Hadebe are all on the list with George Chigova, Edmore Sibanda and Petros Mhari filling up the goalkeeping department.
However, following the announcement of the squad yesterday, some fans felt that Chidzambwa should have taken Baroka shot-stopper Elvis Chipezeze on board who seems to be enjoying his game in the top flight league instead of Sibanda of Witbank Spurs in the second division.
Chipezeze has, undoubtedly, settled well at the Limpopo-based side, helping his club win the Telkom Knockout trophy and at one point picked the Man of the Match accolade for his superb performance.
Sibanda, on the other hand, is a first team regular at Spurs but his performances have been overshadowed by his side’s overall unconvincing showing in all competitions.
Soccer24 has been following the fans’ reactions on the provisional squad and here are a few selected responses.
Dee Dapi Chikosi: Surely people dont know Chipezeze #Edmore must fall hapana zvozikanwa a whole national team sending an NFD goalkeeper.
Daison Marire: Even Khune conceded silly goals, worse with Chigova. African soccer is all about faking injuries to buy time that’s professionalism. Have you seen how Tunisians, Egyptians do when they are winning. A goalkeeper ‘s form depends on the depth and importance of the match. Ask Sundowns and Pirates, they can tell you Chipezeze frustrated them.
Luwin Fani: Good selection these are the best players we have. My only doubt is on goalies I think Chipezeze is better than Sibanda. I watched Sibanda during NetBank game I doubt if he is good enough. Maybe he was off form. However we wish them the very best.
Michael Tembo Kachikwere: Pama keeper apo ,keeper we Baroka aikwana apa to be honest
Joshua Nyaradzo Gororo: Ndikaona goal rakapfekerwa Chigova nezuro ndobva ndashaya chaarikuita apo..zvoti idzo dzekuD1 dzinonzi Sibanda unobva watozvishairwa pazvo. Chipezeze nereflex dzake dziya chaakatadza ndochishaya