Warriors arrive in Botswana for clash with Zebras

Philemon Jambaya

The Zimbabwe senior national football team, the Warriors, have arrived in Botswana ahead of the Independence Cup showdown with the hosts on Sunday.

The Warriors left Harare on Wednesday morning and are set to battle with the Zebras in the neighbouring country’s 57th Independence Anniversary celebrations.

Thubelihle Jubane of Sheasham, Manica Diamonds’ Trevor Mavhunga and Clive Mandivhei of Yadah have been called up to balance the numbers after Dynamos captain Frank Makarati, Highlanders defender Andrew Bemba and Chicken Inn defensive midfielder Shepherd Mhlanga were withdrawn to participate in the Chibuku Super Cup quarter-finals set for this weekend.

Zimbabwe’s match against Botswana will be head coach Baltermer Brito’s first assignment ahead of the African Nations Championship qualifiers set for October.

The Warriors will be looking to avenge their 1-0 defeat to Botswana in the same competition in 2018. They will also be hoping to get off to a winning start under their new coach.

The match is scheduled to kick off at 3pm local time on Sunday at the Francistown Sports Complex.