CASTLE Premier Soccer League (PSL) newcomers Tsholotsho FC have released the list of players they have registered with the league and their coach Lizwe Sweswe has kept faith in the bulk of the team that won promotion into the top flight.
SAKHELENI NXUMALO SPORTS CORRESPONDENT
Former Highlanders striker Kudzanai Machazane and ex-Quelaton defender Maclive Phiri are the only players with PSL experience in the squad that is dominated by youthful players, but Sweswe is confident his charges will hold their own.
“People forget that the (biblical) ark was built by amateurs and did not sink while the Titanic was built by professionals and sunk.
“Many have been saying we should acquire experienced players, but we believe our young players will stand the heat in the PSL. I believe we got promoted because we were united and thus able to pull together as a team and that could only be possible when you have young players that are willing to play,” Sweswe said.
New players that Sweswe has brought in as reinforcements to the side that won the Southern Region Division One championship include former Zimbabwe youth international Mncedisi Gumede, who was signed from Bulawayo Province second division outfit FC Toronto, Donald Dzvinyai, Gerald Takwara and Ricky Tatenda Bota, who came from former Warriors and Tsholotsho native Joel Luphahla’s Dubai 7 Academy, former MSU striker Delight Chivunduko, ex-New West forward Eriko Phiri, former Mutare City keeper Godfrey Tewende and Simbarashe Gojogojo, who was unattached.
Tsholotsho will kick off their maiden campaign in the top flight with an away tie to Harare City before taking on Bulawayo giants Highlanders in their second match at White City Stadium.
The tie against Highlanders will afford an opportunity for the newcomers to win over the hearts of fans especially those with Tsholotsho links that are likely to be sitting on the fence on who to support between the two teams.
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Interestingly, Highlanders last month made a move for impressive right-back Phiri after their coach Bongani Mafu had seen him in action against Bulawayo City at Luveve Stadium, but their advances were spurned by the player. Tsholotsho squad Goalkeepers: Chang Mariyoni, Nickel Marichi, Godfrey Tewende
Defenders: Nkosilathi Moyo, William Stima, Donald Dzvinyai, Thandolwenkosi Ncube, Spar Dube, Kelvin Moyo, MaClive Phiri
Midfielders: Douglas Jeremia, Butholezwe Ncube, Ayanda Ncube, Simbarashe Gojogojo, Gerald Takwara, Qaphelani Ndebele, Kries Chitiyo, Ocean Ncube, Rodrick Mufudza, Mncedisi Gumede, Dumile Siwela, Ricky Tatenda Bota, Evans Sibanda, Patrick Sibanda, Khanyile Moyo
Strikers: Lynoth Chikuhwa, Nickson Gama, Delight Chivunduko, Eriko Phiri, Kudzanai Machazane
