Uganda/Zimbabwe: Warriors, Uganda Friendly At Rufaro

THE international friendly match between Zimbabwe and Uganda is at Rufaro this afternoon, but Warriors coach Callisto Pasuwa has raised concern that his charges could be exposed to injuries because of the bad state of the turf. 

Uganda arrived in Harare yesterday for the match. They have a strong squad which is expected to give the Warriors a good run ahead of the 2017 Nations Cup qualifier against Malawi this weekend.

ZIFA officials yesterday confirmed the match will be at Rufaro and not the National Sports Stadium as was initially communicated. But the coach was not happy after some of his players complained of blisters after yesterday's training.

"It's a game we need as Zimbabwe to win. You train the way you play. So it's part of our training and we need to psyche up our minds by winning this game.But we have one area of concern, we trained (at Rufaro) in the morning and I have five players who have blisters. The turf is very hard. Since there are 23 guys who are in camp, they will play their part but I don't think others will play 90 minutes there," said Pasuwa.

Uganda/Zimbabwe: Warriors, Uganda Friendly At Rufaro

ZIFA communications manager Xolisani Gwesela said gate charges have been pegged at $1 for the cheapest ticket, $3 for the Upper Grand Stand and $10 for the VIP.

"We are appealing to football fans to come in their numbers and support the boys in the practice game. It's very important for them to win," said Gwesela.

The Cranes head coach Milutin "Micho" Sredojevic named a 19-man squad on Sunday. Federations of Uganda Football Associations have already sent their advance team to Zimbabwe led by the association's finance director Decolas Kiiza.
After the match, the Cranes will proceed to Botswana, where they will face the Zebras in the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. Micho's squad has German-based player Melvyn Lorenzen, who has been training with the team since joining from his club Weder Bremen. Warriors captain Willard Katsande said the friendly was crucial for the team's preparations.

Uganda Team

Onyango Denis, Ondongkara Robert, Iguma Denis, Ochaya Joseph, Luwagga Kizito, Okwi Emma, Wasswa Hassan Mawanda, Juuko Murushid, Sekisambu Erisa, Kasirye Davis, Massa Geoffrey, Miya Faruku, Lorenzen Melvyn, Walusimbi Godfrey, Aucho Khalid, Lubega Idrisa, Isinde Isaac, Tony Mawejje and Yassar Mugerwa.