WARRIORS and Platinum Stars goalkeeper Tapiwa Kapini has vowed to reclaim his position after being dropped from the squad ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations and World Cup qualifier against Guinea.

The former Highlanders goalkeeper said he failed to come for the game on time as he had pressing commitments at his base in South Africa.

“I am still willing to play for Zimbabwe. This is the country of my birth so there is no way I can ditch it. I was experiencing some personal problems which had to be sorted out. However, I will be available for future selection. If the coaches still want me, I am available to do the job for my country.”

“Arubi and Murambadoro are very good goalkeepers and it will be difficult to win the jersey, but I am prepared to fight for it. This is what makes soccer a very interesting sport,” he said.

Kapini, who starred in goals in Zimbabwe’s only two wins at the Africa Cup of Nations against Algeria (2004) and Ghana in 2006 added that this time the Warriors have to qualify for the 2010 World Cup as well as the 2010 Nations Cup.

Kapini was in goals when the Warriors beat Algeria 2-1 at the Nations Cup finals in Tunisia in 2004 as well as in the 2-1 win over the World Cup bound Ghana two years later in Egypt.

Zimbabwe will be hoping to make their third appearance at the Africa Cup of Nations and debut appearance at the World Cup finals.

The Warriors are caged in the same group as Guinea and Namibia.

This is the first time since the turn of the 90’s that the team begins a battle for berth in a continental competition without the charismatic former captain Peter Ndlovu.

Despite a good season at Mamelodi Sundowns, Ndlovu was left out of the team picked up by coach Valinhos and his technical department of David Mandigora and Brenna Msiska.

However, assistant team manager, Sharif Mussa said the door was not closed on the speedy striker.

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