CHAN: Cameroon target Zimbabwe friendly

The Warriors could get a good test during their preparations for the Africa Nations Championship after West Africa giants Cameroon proposed an interest to engage the Zimbabwe team before their departure for the finals to be held in Rwanda next year.

Details of the proposal are still sketchy, but a source yesterday said the Cameroonians have since knocked the doors at Number 53 Livingstone Avenue.

Zimbabwe are set to make their fourth consecutive appearance at the CHAN tournament following a good run in the qualifying campaign under Callisto Pasuwa.

"Cameroon have approached ZIFA with the proposal, but it's something that is still in its infancy. The ZIFA board will have to look at it.

"Of course, it's a wonderful opportunity for our boys, but there are many things that need to be looked at including the costs of participating in that friendly match," said the source.

Cameroon are also set to take part at the CHAN tournament which runs from January 16 to February 7 2016. With just over a month before kickoff, the Warriors are set to begin camp this Sunday after the NetOne Easycall final between new league champions Chicken Inn and Highlanders.

Zimbabwe national team coach Pasuwa was quoted in yesterday's edition of The Herald saying they were running out of time.

Pasuwa announced a 32 member squad last week and had wanted a longer camp.

Zimbabwe are in Group D alongside Zambia, Mali and Uganda.

ZIFA communications manager Xolisani Gwesela yesterday said they are expecting all the players to heed the call since most of the clubs are now off-season.

"Warriors representing our beautiful country in the CHAN finals are expected to troop into camp on Sunday, December 13. Normal training sessions are expected to commence on Monday, December 14," said Gwesela.

"Letters have already been sent to their respective clubs. We are very confident that Pasuwa and his indefatigable troops will grind a positive result", said Gwesela.

The number of players will be reduced from 32 depending on their fitness level and when the coach finalises the squad to represent the nation.

The Warriors will be hoping to better their previous exploits at CHAN where they finished fourth.

Zimbabwe Squad

Goalkeepers: Elvis Chipezeze (Chicken Inn FC), Tatenda Mkuruva (Dynamos FC), Takabva Mawaya (Hwange Colliery FC), Donovan Bernard (How Mine FC)

Defenders: Stephen Makatuka (CAPS United FC), Blessing Moyo (Dynamos FC), Bruce Kangwa (Highlanders FC), Ocean Mushure (Dynamos FC), Elisha Muroiwa (Dynamos FC), Teenage Hadebe (Highlanders FC), Lawrence Mhlanga (Chicken Inn FC ), Hardlife Zvirekwi (CAPS United FC) Farai Madhananga (Flame lily FC)

Midfielders: Nqobizitha Masuku (Highlanders FC), Tichaona Chipunza (Triangle FC), Ronald Chitiyo (Dynamos FC), Raphael Manuvire (ZPC Kariba FC), Tafadzwa Kutinyu (Chicken Inn FC), George Majika (Chicken Inn FC), Marshall Mudehwe (FC Platinum), William Manondo (Harare City FC), Danny Phiri (Chicken Inn FC), Gerald Takwara (FC Platinum), Joel Ngodzo (Caps United FC) Hilary Bakacheza (Triangle United FC)

Strikers: Pritchard Mpelele (Hwange Colliery FC), Rodreck Mutuma (Dynamos FC), Edmore Chirambadare (Chicken Inn FC), Brian Muzondiwa (FC Platinum), Francisco Zikumbawire (Harare City FC), Knox Mutizwa ( Highlanders FC), Moses Demera (Flame Lily FC)

2016 CHAN GROUPS

Group A: Rwanda, Gabon, Morocco, Cote d'Ivoire

Group B: DR Congo, Angola, Cameroon, Ethiopia

Group C: Tunisia, Nigeria, Niger, Guinea

Group D: Zimbabwe, Mali, Uganda, Zambia.