WARRIORS coach Michael Nees is leaning towards handing the number one jersey to veteran goalkeeper Washington Arubi ahead of the exciting but inexperienced Marley Tavaziva in the Zimbabwe senior men’s national team Group J Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against Kenya on Friday afternoon.
While Nees and his technical team that includes assistant Takesure Chiragwi and goalkeepers coach Pernell McKop have been charmed by Tavaziva’s exploits in between the sticks at training, they are set to go with Arubi to tap into his vast experience.
NewsDay Sport has learnt that Tavaziva has been impressive in training giving Arubi and Donovan Bernard a good run for their money.
However, the coaches know that one game can destroy the whole campaign and are set to go with experience rather than throw in a novice in such a crucial qualifier.
It seems though Chicken Inn goalie Bernard will be relegated to third choice having commanded the number one spot in some of the World Cup qualifiers between last year and this year.
Bernard made a howler that led to a goal in the World Cup qualifier against Lesotho earlier this year as did Godfrey Chitsumba who replaced him for the clash against South Africa.
Zimbabwe lost 2-0 and 3-1 respectively in the two matches.
The 36-year-old Arubi has made a return to the national team having been invited for a training camp last year but failing to make the final cut
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