Sikhumbuzo Moyo Senior Sports Reporter
BULAWAYO boys make up the bulk of the Zimbabwe Under-20 squad that takes on Botswana in the African Under-20 Nations Cup first round first leg encounter at Barbourfields Stadium tomorrow afternoon. In the 19 member squad announced by head coach Jairos Tapera yesterday afternoon, Highlanders, Bantu Rovers, Chicken Inn and Tsholotsho provide a total of 11 players.
Bantu Rovers have five players, Bosso two in Thembalethu Mthunzi and Bukhosi Ncube, Chicken Inn have Thulani Nxumalo, Thomas Kadyaridze and Amos Ncube while Tsholotsho provided Blessing Sibanda.
The Bantu Rovers quintet are Leslie Lunga, Mathias Chodewa, Ben Munsaka, Bukhosi Sibanda and Munyaradzi Chitambwe. Meanwhile, Zifa communications manager Xolisani Gwesela urged fans to come in large numbers to support the team.
“We would like to urge all football fans to come in their numbers and rally behind the Young Warriors and let the boys do the nation proud,” said Gwesela. He also requested fans to show the same affection they demonstrated with the senior squads.
“We need the supporters to show the same affection they exhibit for the senior teams. The Young Warriors are the backbone and the foundation of our senior teams,” wrote Gwesela on the association’s official website.
Gate charges are $1 for the rest of the ground, $3 for the wings and $5 for VIP stand. Gates will be open at 11:00AM.
The return leg will be played on the weekend of April 22-24 in Gaborone.
Squad:
Issa Ali (Caps United), Kelvin Shangiwa (Harare City),
Leslie Lunga (Bantu Rovers), Thulani Nxumalo (Chicken Inn), Mathias Chodewa (Bantu Rovers), Bukhosi Ncube (Highlanders), Ben Munsaka (Bantu Rovers), Amos Ncube (Chicken Inn), Bukhosi Sibanda (Bantu Rovers), Blessing Sibanda (Tsholotsho), Thomas Kadyaridze (Chicken Inn), Jerry Chipangura (Harare City), Trevor Zidoro (Border Strikers), Peace Makaha (Dynamos), Kudzanai Nyakasaka (Dynamos), Tanaka Ruzvidzo ( Harare City), Thembalethu Mthunzi (Highlanders), Munyaradzi Chitambwe (Bantu Rovers), Blessing Nyamuziwa (Caps United)