Zimbabwe coach wary of injuries ahead of CHAN 2016

Zimbabwe head coach Callisto Pasuwa has said that he is worried following reports of injuries his side has suffered ahead of the CHAN 2016 which will take place from January 16 to February 7 in Rwanda. “I have fears over possible injuries considering that the players are coming out of a high intensity season. Some players are reported to have injuries, and we need to manage their fitness carefully as they enter pre-season,” Pasuwa told the Zifa website. Pasuwa, who is keen on putting on a good show at the continental tournament, is aware of the challenge that lies ahead in Group D where they were drawn alongside Mali, Uganda and Zambia. He has therefore integrated experienced and young upcoming players in his squad with the hope of striking a balance for a positive result. Pasuwa explained that he summoned a large pool of players in case of injuries as players just concluded the season. The Warriors finished fourth at the 2014 edition in South Africa and Pasuwa’s target next year is to reach the final. He is aware of the challenge that lies ahead but he believes preparations will play a key role in achieving this set target. He said, “Our wish as Zimbabwe is to progress to the final and have a good run in the tournament. We need to prepare adequately as this group is tough. All these teams -- Zambia, Uganda and Mali -- have a large number of locals representing their senior team in their AFCON qualifiers.” Zimbabwe eliminated Zambia in the CHAN 2014 qualifiers before being drawn with Uganda in Group B. Uganda and Zimbabwe played out a goalless draw at the Athlone stadium in Cape Town. Zimbabwe progressed to the quarter-finals and eliminated Mali to make it to the semi-finals. The Warriors have appeared at every final tournament since the inception of the CHAN tournament in 2009. editorial@newtimes.co.rw

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Zimbabwe coach wary of injuries ahead of CHAN 2016