Is Edmore Sibanda ready for Congo?

The Warriors host Congo Brazzaville in an Afcon Qualifier at National Sports Stadium this Sunday, and most of the players in the squad have of late been in action at their respective clubs except for Edmore Sibanda.

Sibanda’s last game came on the 16th of February in a Nedbank Cup fixture against Golden Arrows where he played full minutes.

The giant goalkeeper, who plays for South Africa’s National First Division side Witbank Spurs, has been on compassionate leave since then following the passing on of his son.

With the national team playing Congo this Sunday, it will be exactly five weeks of no football for the 32-year-old by the time the Warriors get into action, and the big question is whether Sibanda would be ready for the battle.

Match fitness for a goalkeeper count less than for an outfield player but the fact he lost his son a few weeks ago still cast doubt if his mind will be in place for the big game.

When Sunday Chidzambwa announced his 28-member provisional squad, several football followers felt the coach should have taken Baroka shot-stopper Elvis Chipezeze on board who seems to be enjoying his game in the top flight league instead of Sibanda of Spurs in the second division.

Chipezeze has, undoubtedly, settled well at the Limpopo-based side, getting rare mentions from the media and coaches.

However, it looks like there won’t be any new additions to the squad and Sibanda will need to prove his mark against first-choice goalkeeper George Chigova and Petros Mhari.

Most players are already in camp with the remaining expected to join the rest of the team tomorrow before the coaches announce their final selection for the Sunday’s encounter.

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