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Takudzwa Chitsiga Sports Reporter—

NATIONAL Under-20 team coach Mandla Mpofu is hopeful he will come up with the best team for the COSAFA tournament scheduled for South Africa after some of his players trooped into camp yesterday.Mpofu’s troops started to flock into camp at the ZIFA Village yesterday.

The coach has named a 35-member training squad.

The final team has to be submitted by December 2.

The team was supposed to hold their first training yesterday at Gateway High School but not all players were available as some will only join the team after the Premiership games.

Mpofu, who is working with Biggie Zuze, believes they will come up with a very strong side.

“We were running out of time but we are now trooping into camp right now and we will have our first training in the afternoon,” he said.

“Most of the players we have called up are coming in and we expect everyone to be here after Saturday.

“There will not be any changes to the 35 players we announced unless something happens but so far we are expecting only those players.

“There will be some Premier League games tomorrow (today) and Saturday and we allowed those from Harare City, Triangle and CAPS United, among other clubs, to fulfil their fixtures first.”

The Young Warriors reached the semi-final stage at the last tournament held in Lesotho three years ago and are keen to surpass that target.

Zimbabwe Training Squad

Goalkeepers: Elisha Nechiturike, Nelson Chadya, Prince Phiri, Kelvin Shangiwa.

Defenders: Last Kapuya, Derwin Phiri, Angel Dexter, Bukhosi Ncube, Prince Motsi, Kuzivakwashe Madina, Simbarashe Chimanikire, Tatenda Mchisi, Shepherd Maradzamunda, Frederick Dzeka

Midfielders: Learnmore Muyambo, Patrick Musaka, Brave Sibanda, Denzil Khumalo, Amos Ncube, Bukhosi Sibanda, Leeroy Mavunga, Munyaradzi Chitambwe, Raynold Mate, Donnet Ndlovu, Hugh Chikosa, Bright Majamanda, Brighton Mhungu.

Strikers: Prince Dube, Thomas Kadyaridzire, Jerry Chipangura, Nqobile Ndlovu, Blessing Sibanda, Knowledge Ndlovu, Ishmael Mushekwi, Tatenda Tumba, Clive Rupiya, King Nasama, Frederick Muza.