Africa-Press – Zimbabwe. NEW Warriors coach Marian Marinica has sensationally started over the entire selection process for the squad to represent Zimbabwe at the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) finals in Morocco next month, yesterday announcing a massive 51-member provisional squad for the continental showpiece.
The Romanian tactician, being unveiled to the local media for the first time since his appointment at the beginning of the month following the sacking of German Michael Nees, wasted no time in stamping his authority on the national team.
After taking charge in two high-profile friendly matches — losing 3-1 to Algeria in Saudi Arabia before stunning Qatar with a win in Doha two weeks ago — Marinica openly distanced himself from the team inherited from Nees.
He expressed a clear desire to make his own, independent team selection, a promise he has immediately delivered on.
Marinica has not wasted time in throwing a lifeline to a number of talented local and foreign-based players who had been conspicuously overlooked by his predecessor.
This move directly contradicts Nees’ approach, who had shut the door on players that missed the October World Cup qualifiers, arguing there was “no time for experimenting” with the Afcon finals fast approaching.
The most notable inclusions signalling Marinica’s new direction include Macauley Bonne, the United Kingdom-based striker, who has often been in and out of the set-up.
Alec Mudimu, who had previously retired from international football, has been convinced to reverse his decision and join the provisional squad while South Africa-based attacker, Junior Zindoga, overlooked for previous assignments, has been given a window of opportunity.
Crucially, the Romanian has also thrown the net wide open for a host of locally-based players, rewarding current form and talent from the domestic league.
The players from the local league, who now have a chance to make the final squad, include MWOS FC’s Aboubakar Moffat, who recently made the Soccer Star list, alongside Kevin Moyo, Peter Muduhwa, Andrew Mbeba, Albert Manenji, Xolani Ndlovu, Junior Makunike, Kingsley Mureremba and Joseph Tulani, among others.
Further additions to the expanded list include Mthokozisi Msebe, Nigel Matinha, Ishmael Wadi, Emmanuel Ziocha, Billy Vheremu, Obriel Chirinda, Webster Tafa and Scottland’s Teenage sensation, barely 17-year-old Tadiwa Chakuchichi.
The coach has also included two experienced goalkeepers in Nelson Chadya and Bernard Donovan to supplement the three who were part of the last camp.
In a move that will raise eyebrows, veteran forward Khama Billiat, who had been convinced to come out of retirement by Nees, has been left out, as has Tivonge Rushesha, who has seen very little game time in recent call-ups
Marinica has been given the demanding target to guide the country to the second round of the Afcon finals for the first time in Zimbabwe’s history, and his 51-man squad selection indicates he is leaving no stone unturned in that quest.
It is understood that the coach requested an initial camp comprising locally-based players, who will later be joined by their foreign-based counterparts, a move aimed at establishing a strong foundation and a common playing philosophy before the final cut is made.
The mammoth squad list suggests a total break from the past and a decisive step towards building a Warriors side truly reflective of the new coach’s vision for Afcon glory.
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