Zimbabwe coach Sunday Chidzambga has named a 28-man provisional squad for next month’s 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier trip to Congro Brazzaville.
As expected, Chidzambga has called in-form Dalian Lifang forward Nyasha Mushwekwi who had been indefinitely banned by Zifa over indiscipline.
Mushekwi’s form in the Chinese Super League has been too good for Chidzambga to overlook the striker for the September 9 clash.
Fear of public backlash and noise made by the Zimbabwean press might have amplified Mushekwi’s case.
There was however no place for former captain and Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Willard Katsande who was part of the four players banned by Zifa.
Chidzambga also included England-born Darikwa and left-back Chicksen, despite uncertainty over their availability due to citizenship complications.
Most players born in England are not ready to renounce their British-citizenship to obtain local passports as required by Zimbabwean law.
Zimbabwe team manager Wellington Mupandare said their biggest hope now is special consideration for dual citizenship from authorities.
“Yes we are always positive and we hope for the best and we will push until we get passports for the concerned players,” Mupandare told Goal.
Kelly Lunga of German fourth tier side SC Bonner has found his way into the team together with Tinotenda Chibharo who plays in the Serbian second division.
The bulk of players who took part at the Cosafa Cup in June make up the squad, while Tino Kadewere of French League 2 side Le Havre has been ruled out with injury.
Zimbabwe lead Group G after thumping Liberia 3-0 in their opening match last year in a pool which also includes DR Congo.
Zimbabwe squad
Goalkeepers: George Chigova (Polokwane City, SA), Donovan Benard (Ngezi Platinum Stars), Edmore Sibanda (Witbank Spurs, SA), Talbert Shumba (Chapungu FC)
Defenders: Tendayi darikwa (Nottingham Forest, England), Alec Mudimu (Cefn Druids, Wales), Costa Nhamoinesu (Sparta Prague – Czech Republic), Teenage Hadebe (Kaizer Chiefs, SA), Kevin Moyo (FC Platinum), Adam Chicksen (Bradford City, England), Eric Chipeta (Cape Umoya United, SA), Divine Lunga (Golden Arrows, SA), Byron Madzokerere (Yadah FC)
Midfielders: Marshall Munetsi (Orlando Pirates, SA),Tafadzwa Kutinyu (Azam, Tanzania), Marvelous Nakamba (Club brugge, Belgium), Ovidy Karuru (Amazulu, SA), Richard Hachiro (Herentals FC), Talent Chawapiwa (Baroka FC, SA), Kudakwashe Mahachi (Orlando Pirates, SA), Leeroy Mavunga (Yadah FC), Khama Billiat (Kaizer Chiefs, SA)
Forwards: Knowledge Musona (Anderlecht, Belgium), Evans Rusike (SuperSport United, SA), Kelly Lunga (SC Bonner, Germany), Terrence Dzvukamanja (Bidvest Wits, SA), Nyasha Mushekwi (Dalian Yifang, SA), Tinotenda Chibharo (FK Sloboda Uzice, Serbia).
