LOGA To Unleash Debutants Against Zambia
Zimbabwe Warriors head coach Zdravko Logarusic is set to give opportunity to new players in his squad to prove themselves in the final Africa Cup of Nations Group H qualifier against Zambia on Monday night.
The likes of goalkeeper Martin Mapisa, defenders Victor Kamhuka and Romario Matova may be rewarded with their first senior international debuts.
Loga made it clear that he wants to give some of the new players opportunity to prove if they are national team material.
“We are going to give time to players who have not had enough time to showcase what they can do for the national team, ” said Loga speaking at a press conference in Harare
“I will first judge the player’s character, passion for the country and then consider how good he is as a player.
“I want players with commitment and passion to play for Zimbabwe. That is how we build a team. You saw a team against Algeria, you saw a team against Botswana”
On Thursday, Loga gave Perfect Chikwende the former FC Platinum and Simba SC midfielder his debut against Botswana and the player did not disappoint as he scored on his debut to give Zimbabwe the much needed win.
“Zimbabwean players proved their love for their country. We need Warriors for us to have a team, Character first, Desire second, then we can assess how good the player is,” said Loga
Others gunning for a starting berth in tommorow’s encounter include Butholezwe Ncube, Terrence Dzvukamanja and Evans Rusike who currently have less game time for the Warriors.
Loga admitted his dilemma in choosing the squad for Zambia, but with several senior players sitting on yellow cards and others carrying miner injuries, Loga has no qualms about throwing his young charges into the fire against Zambia on Monday, giving his tried and trusted players a bit more of a rest.
“We have to protect players carrying yellow cards from being suspended for the first game at the AFCON finals.
In 2017 Afcon finals in Egypt, Zimbabwe was dealt a big blow after Marvelous Nakamba was suspended for the opening game against the host due to yellow cards accumulated in the qualifiers.
Here is our Zimbabwe Warriors probable XI against Zambia