Galloway in visa quandary, Hadebe rides a storm Brendan Galloway

Eddie Chikamhi
Senior Sports Reporters
BRENDAN Galloway found himself battling visa issues in England while Teenage Hadebe had to ride a storm in the United States,as their trip to Ghana ran into turbulence.

It meant the defensive duo failed to join the Warriors squad in Ghana as planned, yesterday.

But the pair are still expected to play a big part when Zimbabwe clash with the Black Stars in a 2022 World Cup qualifier at the Cape Coast Stadium this Saturday.

The Warriors contingent travelled to Ghana in batches with the majority, including the technical team led by Norman Mapeza, arriving on Tuesday night.

They took their final leg of the journey by road yesterday, when they drove the 147km stretch from Accra to the hosting town of Cape Coast.

However, Hadebe and Galloway were conspicuous by their absence when the team conducted their first training session late in the afternoon.

The pair faced logistical glitches that prevented them from boarding flights from their bases.

Team manager, Wellington Mpandare, said the technical team were expecting all the overseas-based players they called for the first match.

“We have arrived safely in Cape Coast but we are still expecting Hadebe and Galloway,’’ he said.

“They have experienced some complications, but everything is now solved and we expect them tomorrow (today).

“Apparently, there was a communication breakdown at the airport on the issue of visas for Galloway.

‘’The officials who confronted him didn’t figure out that the visa will be issued out at the point of entry in Ghana.

“Unfortunately, we were mid-air, on the way to Accra when all that was happening. But, it’s now sorted out and he is already booked to arrive tomorrow (today).’’

Galloway, who was capped by England coach Gareth Southgate at Under-21 level, is looking forward to earning his first cap with Zimbabwe.  The 25-year-old former Everton man is enjoying a fresh lease of life at League One side, Plymouth Argyle, after shaking off a number of injuries.

Galloway, who plays either leftback or central defence, is an option for Saturday’s game as Zimbabwe seek to resolve the defensive woes, which affected the start of their campaign.

Hadebe missed the two games against Ghana and South Africa due to Covid-19 travel complications.

His availability was put into question again yesterday after he missed his flight before encountering further challenges,with the US airport authorities.

Hadebe finally boarded the plane for this tour of duty.

At first he missed his flight because he could not be at the airport on time, after playing his last match for Houston Dynamo, on Sunday.

Then the airport authorities had issues with his Covid-19 certificate.

“He had the same certificate that he uses at his club but the airport officials said the bar code was missing,’’ said Mpandare.

“When that was sorted out they then asked for some additional documents from his club.

“To show his commitment, he has been to the airport three times and, on the fourth attempt, that’s when he made it onto the plane.’’

The Warriors technical team were excited that all the other foreign-based players had arrived in Ghana as scheduled.

Midfielder Marvelous Nakamba, Tendayi Darikwa and Jordan Zemura, Marshal Munetsi, Alec Mudimu and skipper Knowledge Musona are among the Warriors contingent in Ghana.

They were joined by the majority of the players, based in South Africa, including Khama Billiat, who is going to miss the game on Saturday, because of suspension.

The Warriors are expected to hold two training sessions today.

“This has not been an easy trip,” said Mpandare.  “We travelled in batches and we are happy with the assistance that we received from our Embassy staff here, led by Ambassador Kufa Chinoza.

“He has been at the airport, sometimes at 3am, waiting for some players, who arrived during those unusual hours.

“Special thanks to the ZIFA board for their support. We know the fans back home expect us to do a professional job. The team is ready to do their best.

“So we need everyone’s support. Remember this is the first game for our new coach, so let’s support him through thick and thin.’’

The Warriors are expected to play on Saturday, and then return home the following day.

They arrive in Harare on Monday and will have a few hours to prepare for the return leg set for Tuesday at the National Sports Stadium.

The UK-based players — Nakamba, Zemura, Galloway and Darikwa — will not be available for the second leg because of quarantine requirements when they return to their clubs.

Warriors Squad:

Goalkeepers: Martin Mapisa (Zamora CF), Talbert Shumba (Free State Stars), Washington Arubi (Marumo Gallants).

Defenders: Alec Mudimu (Torpedo Kutaisi), Brendan Galloway (Plymouth Argyle), Bruce Kangwa (Azam), Jordan Zemura (AFC Bournemouth), Onismor Bhasera (SuperSport United), Rahman Kutsanzira (FC Platinum), Teenage Hadebe (Houston Dynamo), Tendayi Darikwa (Wigan Athletic).

Midfielders: Blessing Sarupinda (Sekhukhune United), Farai Madhanaga (Marumo Gallants), Kelvin Madzongwe (FC Platinum), Khama Billiat (Kaizer Chiefs), Kudakwashe Mahachi (SuperSport United), Marshall Munetsi (Stade de Reims), Marvelous Nakamba (Aston Villa), Never Tigere (Azam), Perfect Chikwende (Simba SC), Thabani Kamusoko (Zesco United).

Strikers: Knowledge Musona (Al-Tai), Knox Mutizwa (Lamontville Golden Arrows), Terrence Dzvukamanja (Orlando Pirates).

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