The Zimbabwe UK Diaspora National Team is ready for battle ahead of the 2014 UK African Nations Cup Tournament which kicks off this weekend on May 31 in East London.
The Warriors are in the group of death, Group A which includes neighbours South Africa; Uganda; Tanzania and current cup holders Ghana.
According to Marshall Gore, Tournament Director and Zimbabwe Team Manager, “the African Nations Cup UK (ANCUK) is one of the biggest community football tournaments in the UK. It has been running since 2009 attracting thousands of spectators”.
The tournament is supported by the Football Association (FA) and affiliated to both the London and Essex FA Counties. Over the years, the tournament has grown in stature establishing vital partnerships with various statutory organisations including the Terence Higgins Trust, The Newham Borough Council and Kick It Out, a racism eradication group founded by the English Premier League.
Gore said this year’s competition will be sponsored by Ethiopian Airlines the biggest operating African airline. The winners of the tournament will walk away with a prestigious trophy plus £4000 worth of prize money.
A record will be set this year as 20 countries will participate in the annual tournament which will run for two weeks near the famous 2012 Olympic Village. The group games will be played at West Ham Memorial Grounds, Memorial Avenue Essex E15 3DB.
The final will take place on June 14 at Terrence McMillan Stadium on Prince Regent Street E13 8SD.
Arrangements are being made by the sponsors for the final game to be screened live across the African continent via Voxafrica TV/DSTv Channel.
Gore said the tournament presents a good opportunity for the main national team in Zimbabwe to scout new talent in the Diaspora, playing for various professional clubs and premier league academies.
“At present we have a total of 65 young players on our register between the ages of 11-21 all attached with semi-professional and professional clubs. Some are even playing for premier legs clubs. Our vision is to nature the players, develop them into national team material and to remind them that they are Zimbabweans and that their country needs them. We are now calling upon ZIFA to collaborate with us closely on this project and hopefully the nation can benefit from this initiative.”
Team Zimbabwe Welfare Manager Sanudy Nambale said, preparations have gone according to plan despite lack of sponsorship. He praised the players and the technical department for working hard in putting up a formidable squad despite players being scattered all over the country.
Head Coach Thabang JB Nare formerly of ZRP Tomlinson was very optimistic on his teams’ chances.
He said: “We are aiming to do better than last year’s quarterfinal finish. We have some talented young players who can deliver if they focus on playing as a team and remain disciplined. I’m confident given our preparations that we can deliver and who knows we might even win the trophy”.
Assistant Coach Thomas Thomik who is deputising for Liberty Masunda who is currently in South Africa for coaching job interview also sounded positive ahead to the tournament: “ We have a lot young talented players featuring in our team that have the potential of making it into the main Zimbabwe National Team.” He sighted, Junior Ndlovu son of Zimbabwe legend Madinda Ndlovu; Brendon Dube; Muzzy Nduna; McCully Bond; Spencer Sachikonye; Farai Hallam; Nkosi Mzingwane; Lionel Mafukidze and Henry Sibenge as the most notable hopefuls.
The Zimbabwe squad is also composed of former Zimbabwe Premier League Players now living in the Diaspora and playing at professional level, notable inclusions are Maxwell Dube, Raymond Undi,Brian Badza, Obey Murefu, Alvin and Martin Chirimuta, Kelvin Mushambi and Beston Matabile
All the players are scheduled to go into camp this Friday at an undisclosed venue in London. The team is urging all Zimbabweans in the UK to come in numbers and support The Warriors. They will be plenty of entertainment on sight including live African bands and Gochi Gochi BBQ from the famous Rollers Club. Venue: West Ham Memorial Grounds, Memorial Avenue Essex E15 3DB. See fixture below.
The Following squad has been announced by the technical team
Zimbabwe Squad
Goalkeepers; Obey Murefu (Ware United FC); Tasiwa Nyambiya (St Matthews Dynamos FC) Tafadzwa Manyenga (Zim Saints FC)
Defenders
Chazi Hokoza (Flauden Fc ) Alvin Chirimuta (Zim Saint Fc); Martin Chirimuta(Phoenix Sports Fc) ;Thomas Thomik (Three Ways Shipping FC); Nkosi Mzingwane (Coventry United Fc) ); Eddie Mudzi (Three Ways Shipping);Gary Mapanda (Zim Saints Fc); Farai Hallam(Finchely Wintagate FC); Kevin Dimingo(Gosport Borough FC);Chrispen Sinodzima(Zim Saints Fc); Kenny Mutsanya ( Watford Tigers Fc);Tinashe Payarira(St Mathews Dynamos); Prince Maphosa Mazwi(Coventry United);
Midfielders
Raymond Undi (Aylesbury Dynamos FC);Mzwandile Nduna (Coventry United);Kelvin Mushambi (Calton Town FC): Mikaeel White(Barnet FC); Lionel Mafukidze (Stevenage Fc); Zaideen Brown (Luton Town Resv); Charles Guvamatanga (Zim Saints Fc);Bestone Matibile( Luton Aces);Kuya Zinhu (Zim Saints Fc); Terence Payarira (Coventry United);Tawanda Rupere ( Garfoth Town Fc );Jones Moyo(AFC Fawley Fc); Simba Mandi(Three Ways Shipping Fc); Henry Sibenge (Derby Mickleover Sports Fc); Gabriel Maisiri (Manorians Fc)
Forwards
Junior Nlovu (Almondbury UWE Fc); Brian Ndlovu (Coventry United Fc);Shepherd Machingauta (Three Way Shipping FC); Trevor Mutero (Glyfada Fc); McKolly Bond (Ipswich Town); Maxwell Dube(Young Worriors Fc); Spencer Sachikonye (Eastbourne Town) ;Junior Fredric Mtumbi(Three Ways Shipping Fc ); Herbet Mujanja (Hounslow Fc); Simba Mandizha (Luton Aces Fc); Tino Chinake (Mighty Worriors Fc)
Technical Team
Liberty Masunda (Head-Coach); Thabang Nare (Head-Coach); Thomas Thomik (Ass Coach)
Sanudy Nambale (Welfare Manager) Wellington Muringayi (Technical Advisor)
Ricky Kuvarega (Team Doctor) Davison Chimenya (Team Medic)
Alan Dinala (Psychologist); Marshall Gore (Team Manager/Communications)
Team Zimbabwe Fixture
Venue: Memorial Grounds, Memorial Avenue Essex E15 3DB
SATURDAY 31/05/2014
Zimbabwe vs Uganda (11am)
Sunday 01/06/2014
Zimbabwe vs South Africa (11 am)
Zimbabwe vs Tanzania (5pm)
Those interested in helping, sponsoring or supporting Team Zimbabwe please contact Management on 07828068585. Thank you.
Comments
About Author
