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a largely changed side as the Warriors resume their qualification bid for the 2012 African Cup of Nations finals.
The Warriors, third on the Group A standings with two points from as many games, face the Eagles of Mali who are in second place and just a point above them at the 26 March Stadium in Bamako on Saturday night.
Mapeza, who returned to the Warriors fold last month, was forced to make some changes to the side that will do battle in Bamako folwing injuries to key players Knowledge Musona, Onismor Bhasera and Noel Kaseke.
The trio of Musona, Bhasera and Kaseke played in the Warriors first two Nations Cup assignments against Liberia in Libreville in September and Cape Verde at the National Sports Stadium the following month.
Kaizer Chiefs’ leading marksman actually struck Zimbabwe’s only goal in this campaign so far when he fired the Warriors into the lead in Libreville before the Lone Star grabbed a late equaliser for a share of the spoils.
Mapeza had initially called 23 players into camp but the coach had to make do with 21 men following the arrival yesterday of Belgian-based midfielder Vusa Nyoni.
From that 21-men squad the coach left out the locally-based trio of big CAPS United goalkeeper Edmore Sibanda, Dynamos defender David Kutyauripo and FC Platinum striker Norman Maroto at the end of their afternoon training session at the National Sports Stadium B arena. However, there were places for in-form Ajax Cape Town midfielder Khama Billiart and the rookie pair of Denver Mukamba and Archieford Gutu of Dynamos.
Defenders Guthrie Zhokinyi, Daniel Veremu, Qadr Amini and France based midfielder Ovidy Karuru are set to play a part for the first time in the Nations Cup campaign.
Their appearances for the Warriors had largely been restricted to the African Nations Championships and the friendly internationals.
Kutyauripo who had received a late call up following the injuries to Gilbert Mapemba and Kaseke failed to make the trip because he did not have a valid passport.
By the time Kutyauripo ran around to try and sort out his travel documents, the coach had made up his mind and decided to focus on players whose documents were in place.
Mapeza said he was now considering using utility player Method Mwanjali at right back.
“We just felt we could use Method on right back. I spoke to him and he has been playing that position at Sundowns.
“It was always difficult to make our plans around David since he didn’t have a valid travel document and the travel agent wanted confirmation of the names earlier in the day.
“We still have Thomas, Guthrie and Daniel who can play in central defence, but we will finalise on the starting 11 after more training sessions in Bamako.
“All the guys we dropped have been doing well and we would have loved to use them all,” said Mapeza.
After watching his charges winding up the last preparations on home turf, the former Warriors captain said he was satisfied with the preparations.
“All the players are looking sharp and I can say I am impressed. Vusa (Nyoni) who arrived this afternoon (yesterday) is the only player yet to train with the team, he only had light training. But we will assess him when we arrive. At least we have two full days,” said Mapeza.
The Warriors gaffer said although there have been concerns about the fitness level of Benjamin Marere and Cuthbert Malajila who had not been active before the Warriors call, he was satisfied with their performance at training. Mapeza added that he was impressed by the performance of the youthful midfielders and duly rewarded them with places in the team.
Billiat, Gutu and Mukamba are in top form at their clubs and will battle it out with the seasoned players in the team.
Meanwhile, team manager Shariff Mussa said the Warriors would have to brace for humid conditions in the Malian capital where temperatures are soaring around 36 degrees.
“We got a call from our advance party. He said it is very hot in Bamako with temperatures ranging from 36 degrees celsius.
“He was received by the local association and was shown the hotel where the team is booked. He said although the hotel is not five-star, it looks okay and should be comfortable to the delegation.
“We expect the team which is going via Nairobi to arrive around midday in Bamako,” said Mussa.
Warriors Final 18:
Goalkeepers: Washington Arubi, Tapuwa Kapini.
Defenders: Thomas Sweswe, Guthrie Zhokinyi, Daniel Veremu, Qadr Amini, Method Mwanjali.
Midfielders: Justice Majabvi, Tinashe Nengomasha, Ovidy Karuru, Khama Billiart, Vusa Nyoni, Benjamin Marere, Denver Mukamba, Archieford Gutu.
Strikers: Edward Sadomba, Nyasha Mushekwi, Cuthbert Malajila.