Leeroy Mavunga has been called up to the Warriors squad after Hardrock FC striker Prince Dube was ruled out of Thursday’s crucial Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Sierra Leone through injury.
Dube, who was expected to provide an attacking option for coach Ramon Catala, suffered a left hamstring injury during Hardrock’s league match against Highlanders on Saturday.
The forward has subsequently been ruled out for two weeks, with his return to competitive action expected in October.
Hardrock chairman Wellington Mpandare confirmed Dube’s injury and said the striker was disappointed to miss out on national team duty.
“Yes, Prince suffered an injury. He will miss national duty because of the knock. It’s unfortunate he won’t be part of the national team, but he really wanted to be,” Mpandare said.
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According to Mpandare, Hardrock’s medical team was in communication with the Warriors’ medical staff, with assessments confirming that Dube would not recover in time for the Sierra Leone encounter.
“Our doctor communicated with the national team doctor and they did the necessary assessment and discovered he can’t make it,” he added.
With Dube now unavailable, Mavunga has been drafted into the squad as the Warriors look to bolster their attacking options ahead of the decisive qualifier.
Mavunga joins Washington Navaya as the latest additions to the squad following the injury withdrawals of Dube and Tino Kadewere.
Meanwhile, the Warriors contingent has arrived in Casablanca, Morocco, where the team will conduct preparations before travelling to El Jadida for Thursday’s match against Sierra Leone.
Among the players who have arrived in Casablanca are Marvelous Nakamba, Thando Ngwenya, Tawanda Chirewa, Corbin Mthunzi, Martin Mapisa, Nelson Chadya, Peter Muduhwa, Kevin Moyo, Emmanuel Jalai and Abubakar Moffat.
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