Tadious Manyepo

Zimpapers Sports Hub

MARIAN “MARIO” MARINICA has opened the door for a significant chunk of locally-based players to prove themselves and stand a chance to break into the Warriors squad ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations next month.

The Warriors coach is eager to take Zimbabwe beyond the group stages of the biennial fiesta to be staged in Morocco from December 21 to January 18.

But the Romanian gaffer isn’t going to rely on old horses who have always punched below weight, but has insisted he will pick players on merit.

In a first in Zimbabwean football history, the former Malawi coach yesterday released a bloated 51-man squad who will go through his assessment before he can name his final squad for the AFCON.

On top of the tried and tested regulars, Marinica has gone for determined greenhorns who now sit on the brink of securing a place in the plane to North Africa next month.

Marinica has made it clear that his philosophy hinges on swiftness in defence, transition and attack.

And that is showing in his provisional squad with players like Simba Bhora’s Ishmael Nyanhi and Nigel Mutinha of MWOS part of the frame.

He said his mission was to ensure the Warriors can realise their full potential.

Marinica yesterday cut a composed figure when he was paraded before the media and charmed the lot with his measured humility and vision.

“We want to make the country proud and to bring a lot of patriotism into what the players do.

“You know, at the end of the day, they are not mercenaries.

“They are representing the country and we want them to actually showcase their skill, put everything, their heart and soul in everything for the country.

“This is what I can do for Zifa and what Zifa could do for me and what I can do for players, what players could do for me and what Zifa could do for players.

“So basically we are a team,” said Marinica.

“We have to make sure what we can do for each other, what, you know, with my staff and everyone, including, you know, from assistant staff, from everything we have there, what we can do for each other in order to be as successful as possible,”

Marinica added; “We have chosen 51 players to show us what they can do.

“No one is guaranteed a place in the squad but everyone can earn their place in the team.

“We know time is a factor at this moment but with the help of my local colleagues, we will get to a position where we can agree that so and so players can do the job depending on performances.”

Defender Alec Mudimu, who was last part of the Warriors squad at the 2021 AFCON (played in 2022) in Cameroon is back in the team despite the fact that he publicly announced his international retirement last year.

Marinica said the defender made himself available after his name was proposed.

He is back in Wales, where he is playing for Flint Town.

However Khama Billiat is conspicuously absent from the team.

The Scottland midfielder, who was recalled from retirement by Michael Nees last year, excused himself from the two international friendly games against Algeria and Qatar a fortnight ago.

And Marinica said the door was still open for him as long as he is still available to offer his services.

Warriors provisional squad

Washington Arubi, Martin Mapisa, Elvis Chipezeze, Godknows Murwira, Emmanuel Jalai, Isheanesu Anselmo Mauchi, John Gerald Tungamirai Takwara, Munashe Peter Garananga, Teenage Lingani Hadebe, Brendan Joel Zibusiso Galloway, Jordan Bhekithemba Zemura, Jonah Reinhard Fabisch, Thandolwenkosi Methuseli Ngwenya, Daniel Msendami, Bill Leeroy Antonio, Tawanda Jethro Maswanhise, Walter Tatenda Musona,Tymon Machope, Tawanda Blessing Chirewa, Marshall Nyasha Munetsi, Marvelous Nakamba, Prince Mpumelelo Dube, Divine Xolile Lunga, Prosper Padera, Sean Sheunesu Fusire, Andrew Farai Rinomhota, Terrence Dzvukamanja, Washington Gift Navaya, Bonne Macauley, Nelson Tapiwa Chadya, Donovan Fungai Benard, Kevin Njabulo Moyo, Peter Muduhwa, Andrew Kabila Mbeba, Albert Manenji, Xolani Ndlovu, Abubakar Moffat, Junior Makunike, Kingsley Mureremba, Joseph Tulani, Mthokozisi Msebe, Nigel Elfas Matinha, Ishmael Wadi, Emmanuel Tafadzwa Ziocha, Billy Vheremu, Obriel Chirinda, Junior Zindoga, Alec Mudimu,Tadiwa Joshua Chakuchichi, Webster Tanaka Tafa, Knowledge Musona