The Sunday News
Langton Nyakwenda
IN-FORM goalkeeper Edmore Sibanda is set to guard goal for the Warriors in today’s international friendly against Zambia as he continues with his stunning rise from the ashes.
The match at the National Sports Stadium kicks off at 3pm and the cheapest ticket is pegged at $2. Sibanda has been in fine form for Makepekepe, making the most of the time he was sidelined from the game during the Asiagate match-fixing storm.
The 30-year-old goalie will be out to prove that he deserves another dance in national team colours against Chipolopolo.
However, Sibanda will not be the only one out to prove a point today as interim coach Norman Mapeza has also given calls up to several lads who have been praying for this chance. Devon Chafa makes a return to the national team more than three years after being banned by Fifa for failing a doping test. Chafa has been in fine form for Makepekepe as has been Dennis Dauda, the underrated central defender who knows that he has to deliver.
“I am happy for this chance and have been waiting for it for some time now,” said Dauda.
Highlanders defender, Peter Muduhwa, is also in the mix as is Ngezi Platinum’s utility man Liberty Chakoroma. After gathering his men in the capital on Thursday Mapeza hammered home the need for dedication.
“I told the players what I require as a coach which is total dedication. I also reminded them about the importance of this game against Zambia. It is a friendly yes, but we have to take it seriously . . . who knows, some of the players might use this game as a springboard,” said the Warriors interim coach, who was called in after Kallisto Pasuwa’s contract was not extended.
Mapeza also took time to explain the curious case of FC Platinum goalkeeper Petros Mhari who somehow was continually over looked by Kallisto Pasuwa despite being the best goalkeeper in the land last season.
“My choice to call in Mhari wasn’t influenced by pressure, neither was it prompted by the fact that I work with Mhari at FC Platinum…No, not at all. I just feel Mhari deserves a chance in the national team,” said Mapeza.
Meanwhile, Zambian coach Wedson Nyirenda is expecting a tough encounter.
“Zimbabwe are tough, that is why I think playing Zimbabwe is a good choice,” Nyirenda was quoted as saying on Football Association of Zambia Twitter account.
“They have always given us a good run, they are playing good football. They were at the Afcon, we were not there, so we have to give them the respect and the credit and I think they will give us a good match.”
