HARARE – Zimbabwe coach Zdravko Logarušić on Tuesday named an adjusted squad to face South Africa in Friday’s World Cup qualifier.
Aston Villa midfielder Marvelous Nakamba, Bournemouth defender Jordan Zemura, Tendayi Darikwa of Wigan Athletic, Houston Dynamo defender Teenage Hadebe, Ipswich Town forward Macauley Bonne, David Moyo of Hamilton in Scotland, Plymouth Argyle defender Brendan Galloway and Luton Town striker Admiral Muskwe have all pulled out for what the Zimbabwe Football Association described as “Covid-19 related restrictions and other issues.”
The 26-man squad includes forward Knox Mutizwa, defender Martin Mapisa and Butholezwe Ncube who were yet to report for camp by Tuesday morning.
The Warriors trained for the first time with new assistant coach Benjani Mwaruwari, who arrived in Zimbabwe from the United Kingdom on Monday morning.
Zimbabwe were drawn with South Africa, Ghana and Ethiopia in Group G of the World Cup qualifiers. They must top the group to progress to the next round of qualification.
In this international fixtures window, Zimbabwe will host South Africa at the National Sports Stadium in Harare on Friday before travelling to Ethiopia for their next match on Tuesday.
Zimbabwe Team for South Africa and Ethiopia Matches
Goalkeepers
Washington Arubi (Marumo Gallants), Talbert Shumba (Free State Stars), Martin Mapisa (Zamora CF)
Defenders
Onismor Bhasera (SuperSport United), Divine Lunga (Mamelodi Sundowns), Takudzwa Chimwemwe (Nkana), Alec Mudimu (Torpedo Kutaisi), Godknows Murwira (Dynamos), Kelvin Moyo (Nkana), William Stima (FC Platinum)
Midfielders
Blessing Sarupinda (Sekhukhune United), Jonah Fabisch (Hamburger SV), Marshall Munetsi (Stade de Reims), Tafadzwa Rusike, Thabani Kamusoko (Zesco United), Kudakwashe Mahachi (SuperSport United), Khama Billiat (Kaizer Chiefs), Perfect Chikwende (Simba SC), Butholezwe Ncube (Amazulu), Ishmael Wadi (JDR Stars), Farai Madhananga (Marumo Gallants), Silas Songani FC Platinum), Knowledge Musona (Al-Tai)
Strikers
Terrence Dzvukamanja (Orlando Pirates), Tinotenda Kadewere (Olympique Lyon), Knox Mutizwa (Lamontville Golden Arrows)
