The ManicaPost
Ray Bande Senior Sports Reporter
FOLKS in Manicaland who have seen and appreciated the mercurial instincts of talented former Manica Diamonds’ midfielder, Last Jesi in the middle of the park, are convinced that there is no justification for his Chan Warriors squad exclusion.
New Warriors gaffer Zdravko Logaruši named his 28-man provisional squad for the 2020 Chan finals set for April 4 to 25 in Cameroon.
Zimbabwe are in Group A with the hosts Cameroon, Burkina Faso and Mali.
But it is the composition of the squad that has drawn so much debate in local football circles, with some pundits questioning the wisdom, or lack of it, in omitting exceptionally gifted players on the local scene.
These include Jesi and fellow FC Platinum new signing, Ralph Kawondera.
Reminiscent of Ronald “Gidiza” Sibanda’s style of play in the middle of the park, Lala, as Jesi is fondly referred to by those who believe in his larger than life exploits, has an exciting ball controlling aptitude both in air and on the ground.
He also has outstanding accuracy and vision in making the last pass, let alone the agility needed in midfield.
Jesi won hearts in Khartoum.
His performance in FC Platinum’s colours on international duty did not go unnoticed.
A Sudanese sports journalist with Al Hilal Sports, Tahir Salih, who watched the TV broadcast, inquired about the possible transfer cost.
With the match heading towards half-time, Salih sent Jesi’s picture and inquired about his nationality.
“What nationality is he? He is a great player, do you have information on his cost – transfer, marketing and everything else? Give me his number I will organise a meeting with him to show him Al Hilal offers. He is a great player,” Salih said.
He said he was more than willing to market the former Manica Diamonds player to other teams in Sudan.
Such is the potential the former Manica Diamonds player has shown in the short period since he joined the Zvishavane platinum miners.
Newly promoted Premiership side, Tenax FC coach, Shadreck “Father” Mugurasave – who coached Jesi for four years from Division Two up until he played in the Premiership with the now defunct Dongo Swamills said, “I thought Last Jesi should have been in that squad. He was supposed to be included on merit. In fact, his omission from that squad is very surprising.
“I know that he (Jesi) is one of the best, he deserves to have been tried.”
Zifa Manicaland vice-chairman as well as Manica Diamonds administrator Owen Sango said: “Jesi deserved a chance to play in the Chan tournament. Having proved his ability against African giants in the CAF Champions League and having gained experience in the three matches he played, the coach should have given him a chance to showcase his talent in Cameroon.
“He is a Gidiza type of midfielder. He has the skill, vision and passing accuracy. What more do you want in a midfielder? Cameroon is the platform to showcase our local mastery and Jesi is a real gem.”
Mutare-based player manager, Donald “King Azurie” Manhende, said: “Maybe he still needs a little more game time to enhance his chances of playing in our national team since he is one of the best midfielders of his generation. He really deserves to be included in the national team.”
Logaruši named the squad in consultation with a number of local coaches.
At six, Ngezi Platinum have the highest number of players in the squad.
They have goalkeeper Nelson Chadya, defenders Marlon Mushonga, Qadir Amini and Frank Makarati, midfielders Devon Chafa and Wellington Taderera.
Chicken Inn have five players. These are defenders Xolani Ndlovu, Liberty Chakoroma and Ian Nekati, attacking midfielder Valentine Kadonzvo and striker Obriel Chirinda.
Dynamos goalkeeper Simbarashe Chinani, who is on trials in Russia, defender Partson Jaure, midfielder Juan Mutudza and forward King Nadolo are part of Loga’s team.
Champions FC Platinum have Kelvin Madzongwe, Raphael Muduviwa and Stanely Ngala.
Highlanders’ trio – goalkeeper Ariel Sibanda, defender Peter Muduhwa and striker Prince Dube are also part of the squad.
CAPS United have Phineas Bamusi and Ishmael Wadi.
Northern Region Division One Soccer Star of the Year Kelvin Chibunyu, who turns out for newly promoted Cranborne Bullets, is also set to make his debut for the national team.
Triangle’s duo of Trevor Mavhunga and Talbert Shumba are part of the squad.
