Rest Mutore,Sports Reporter
As Warriors coach Zdravko ‘Loga’ Logarušić got down to business, he would have been impressed that a number of foreign-based players are getting enough game time at their respective clubs.
More than 15 players who make Loga’s pool were in action over the weekend.
Warriors captain Knowledge Musona – whose form in national colours had deteriorated due to lack of game time – was in action as Eupen lost 3-2 to Gent last Friday.
Musona has started in all the five matches since his arrival, opening his new chapter with a goal.
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Even the coach is aware of Zimbabweans who are doing well in foreign leagues and he attested to that during his unveiling.
Warriors
“We have talent out there . . . I think I am lucky, maybe God is protecting me, most of the Zimbabwean players are playing competitive football in Europe and in South Africa.
‘‘And most of them are in the right age to play good football. Now we have to put together all those things to get nice results and we will do it,” said Loga.
Khama Billiat – another key player for Loga – made his first start for Kaizer Chiefs since December last year as they lost 2-1 to Maritzburg United on Sunday.
The match also saw another Zimbabwean Gabriel Nyoni coming on as a substitute for Maritzburg.
Marvelous Nakamba came on as a second substitute for Danny Drinkwater in Aston Villa’s 3-2 loss to Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday, to get a six on the ratings.
“Did marvellous to put his body on the line to stop Bergwijn’s (Steven) powerful, goal-bound volley. Made crucial blocks and looks sure to take Drinkwater’s place at Southampton next week,” reported Birmingham Mail.
Nakamba is another vital player in midfield for Loga together with Marshal Munetsi who played fulltime as his Stade de Reims beat Rennes 1-0 in the French top-flight the same day.
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Teenage Hadebe was also in action as his team, Yeni Malatyaspor, suffered a 1-0 defeat to Galatasaray in Turkish top-flight.
Speedy forward Kuda Mahachi is enjoying game time at SuperSport United in South Africa and was part of the team that lost 1-0 to Stellenbosch a day after Loga was unveiled.
Ovidy Karuru started for Stellenbosch, where he is also a regular, in that game.
Forward Knox Mutizwa scored a brace for Golden Arrows to help them beat Amazulu 2-1 on Saturday.
Mutizwa played fulltime with fellow Warriors players – full back Divine Lunga and midfielder Danny Phiri – who also make Loga’s pool of selection.
On the losing end, Talent Chawapiwa and Butholizwe Ncube were part of the Amazulu team.
Goalkeeper Elvis Chipezeze, who was the first choice under Joey Antipas, was between the sticks as Baroka lost 1-0 to Bidvest.
Bidvest fielded Terrence Dzvukamanja, who is not new to Warriors colours.
Walter Musona ended a 10-month goal drought after scoring in Polokwane City’s 3-2-win over Cape Town City in a match he played alongside fellow countryman Charlton Mashumba.
Defender Alec Mudimu is expected to resume action in the Moldavan league to be in good shape ahead of the games.
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France-based striker Tino Kadewere is among the few players who are not in action as he is nursing a knee injury.
He will, however, be available for selection before the crucial encounters against the Desert Foxes of Algeria.
– HMETRO
