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Callisto Pasuwa

Eddie Chikamhi Sports Reporter
WARRIORS coach Callisto Pasuwa has warned his players that the task is not yet complete despite carrying a 2-0 advantage to Comoros for the return leg of the CHAN first round qualifiers on the Indian island nation this weekend.

Zimbabwe are favourites to pull through to the next stage after getting off to a positive start courtesy of goals from Evans Rusike and Marshall Mudehwe at Rufaro two weeks ago.

However, Pasuwa indicated after the match that he was not entirely pleased with his side’s performance and yesterday he reminded his charges that the job was only half done.

The former Dynamos coach has kept faith in the majority of the Under-23 players, most of whom are now graduating into senior team.

Pasuwa said Comoros gave them a good run at home and they are expecting a competitive game again.

“When we played Comoros here they showed that they are a good team. We shouldn’t have to underrate them. They have good stature in terms of frame and they were good with their corner kicks.

“They were solid in terms of play. So we shouldn’t’ go there thinking that we have done it already. Football needs total commitment.

“We scored two goals here and they can also do the same in their backyard. So we need to be very careful with our approach,” said Pasuwa.

Pasuwa and his charges regrouped for preparations yesterday and had their first workout in the afternoon at Rufaro with an almost full house.

Zimbabwe will miss a good number of the players that featured in the first leg.

Ronald Chitiyo, Evans Rusike, Wisdom Mutasa and Thomas Chideu have been invited for trials outside the borders while Devine Lunga is out injured.

Liberty Chakoroma returned on Monday.

The technical side has had to call in other players like Edwin Madhanhanga, Ralph Kawondera and Lawrence Mhlanga to beef up the squad.

Pasuwa said the situation presented him with fresh challenges as he has had to start all over again with new faces.

“Again we have to juggle with the players in order to come up with a new side that will play in Comoros. We thought that we were going to work with the boys who played the first leg and try to rectify the mistakes that we made in that game.

“So with most of the players missing, it’s going to be a challenge. We are talking of combinations here. Remember these guys are coming from different clubs and they need time together for combinations to come up.”

Harare City goalkeeper Tatenda Munditi could not make it because of injury and the coaches are now keeping their fingers crossed to convince Dynamos to release Tatenda Mukuruva.

DeMbare had earlier indicated that they were only able to release two players, Carlos Rusere and Blessing Moyo, since they have an important fixture at the weekend against Hwange.

Mukuruva attended the training session together with How Mine goalkeeper Donovan Bernard, who kept goal in the first leg, as the Warriors technical were still trying to battle for his services.

The Warriors’ travel arrangements were still not clear by yesterday although ZIFA have revealed plans to charter a plane to the Indian Ocean Island.

Squad:

Donovan Bernard, Tatenda Mukuruva, Mgcini Sibanda, Danny Phiri, Edmore Chirambadare, Lawrence Mhlanga, Blessing Moyo, Pritchard Mpelele, Carlos Rusere, Nqobizitha Masuku, Teenage Hadebe, Marshal Mudehwe, Emmanuel Mandiranga, Justice Jangano, Tino Kadewere, Edwin Madanhanga, Ralph Kawondera, Marlvin Gaki, Gerald Takwara, Jimmy Konono.