Zimbabwe Warriors defender James Matola will be carrying the torch for Zimbabwe’s foreign-based players when the national soccer team takes to the field in the Cosafa Castle Cup tournament beginning in Maputo, Mozambique, Saturday. Matola was the only player to be released by his team - Supersport United of South Africa.
If the Warriors can progress past the Madagascar challenge they will play the winner between Mozambique and Seychelles for a place in the semifinals. Zimbabwe won Cosafa Castle Cup titles in 2000, 2003, and 2005.
Football commentator Wellington Dangarembizi told sports reporter Marvellous Mhlanga-Nyahuye of VOA's Studio 7 for Zimbabwe that coach Charles Mhlauri’s decision to draft local players gives him a chance to assess new talent.
More reports from VOA's Studio 7 for Zimbabwe....