Injury Woes for Kadewere as Warriors Prepare for AFCON Clash
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Loading... - James Irungu
- 14 Nov 2024
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The Zimbabwean national football team, affectionately known as the Warriors, is gearing up for a pivotal 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against Kenya this Friday in Polokwane. Unfortunately, the squad will be without their key striker Tinotenda Kadewere, who has yet again found himself sidelined due to an injury sustained in a recent French Ligue 1 encounter against Marseille.
Kadewere managed to find the back of the net for Nantes in that match, despite the team's disappointing 2-1 loss. However, he aggravated a previous injury that will see him out of action for the next four weeks. This setback compounds the Warriors' challenges, as he misses his fifth game since September—a significant blow for the team as they chase qualification. Although he has struggled to score for the national side lately, head coach Michael Nees has continued to show faith in him, including Kadewere in the squad for the crucial clashes against Kenya and Cameroon.
A source close to the striker revealed, "Tino was optimistic about returning and had kept in touch with the coach. However, his current injury necessitates a complete recovery to prevent further complications."
As it stands, the Warriors sit second in Group J with eight points, just two points behind Cameroon and four ahead of Kenya. A draw against the Harambee Stars on Friday will guarantee Zimbabwe's place in the AFCON tournament, where they aim to join other qualified nations like Morocco, Angola, Algeria, and Egypt. A victory in Polokwane will secure their sixth appearance at this prestigious event.
In Kadewere's absence, Walter Musona will be pivotal for the Warriors. Musona has been in remarkable form for Simba Bhora in the local league, playing a crucial part in his team clinching their first Castle Lager Premier Soccer League title. "Winning the championship with Simba Bhora was no easy feat, and it has instilled great confidence in me as we head into the national team games. We're almost there; we just need to finish the job," Musona expressed ahead of the important qualifiers.
Joining Musona are other local talents called up by Nees, including goalkeeper Martin Mapisa and Emmanuel Jalai from Dynamos, Godknows Murwira from CAPS United, Richard Hachiro from Ngezi Platinum Stars, Khama Billiat from Yadah FC, and Tymon Machope from Simba Bhora. The team is set to travel to Polokwane, departing from OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg.
Coach Michael Nees has emphasized the challenging nature of the brisk qualifying schedule, with matches being held bi-monthly since September. "This has been akin to a crash course," Nees said. "In merely 10 weeks, we are wrapping up the entire qualification process. It's indeed a unique AFCON qualifying campaign."
After their match against Kenya, the Warriors will face off against Cameroon in their final group fixture just four days later, as they strive to secure their place in the 2025 AFCON.
Warriors Squad
Goalkeepers:
- Washington Arubi (Marumo Gallants)
- Marley Tavaziva (Brentford)
- Martin Mapisa (Dynamos)
Defenders:
- Divine Lunga (Mamelodi Sundowns)
- Gerald Takwara (Al Minaa SC)
- Munashe Garananga (FC Copenhagen)
- Godknows Murwira (Caps United)
- Emmanuel Jalai (Dynamos)
- Teenage Hadebe (FC Cincinnati)
- Jordan Zemura (Udinese)
Midfielders:
- Marvelous Nakamba (Luton Town)
- Marshall Munetsi (Stade de Reims)
- Andy Rinomhota (Cardiff City)
- Richard Hachiro (Ngezi Platinum)
Forwards:
- Khama Billiat (Yadah FC)
- Tymon Machope (Simba Bhora)
- Prince Dube (Young Africans)
- Terrence Dzvukamanja (SuperSport United)
- Tawanda Maswanhise (Motherwell)
- Daniel Msendami (Marumo Gallants)
- Walter Musona (Simba Bhora)
- Douglas Mapfumo (Polokwane City)
