Bondo ready to make AFCON Debut
Mqondisi Dube | Friday January 13, 2017 15:12
There will be very little southern African representation after surprise failure from traditional regional powerhouses, Zambia, South Africa and Angola. Only Zimbabwe made it from the COSAFA region, but Botswana received a timely consolation when Bondo was handed a first AFCON call-up.
Bondo left last week Saturday and said from his Gabon base yesterday, that the fixture schedule was not yet out.
The experienced official has had near misses in the past, particularly in 2015 when the number of referees was reduced.
On the pitch, Zimbabwe will look to make the region proud with a solid squad that includes the exciting attacking trio of Tendai Ndoro, who played for Nico United, Knowledge Musona and Khama Billiat.
But the usual suspects, Ivory Coast, Nigeria and Senegal should start as overwhelming favourites.
Defending champions, Ivory Coast have been boosted by the switch in allegiance of Crystal Palace striker, Wilfred Zaha but Nigeria might just emerge as the ultimate party spoilers with emerging talent which has taken the English Premier League by storm.
Senegal, driven by the exquisite talents of Sadio Mane, usually fall short but fancy their chances this time around. Reigning BBC African Footballer of the Year, Riyhad Mahrez will carry top ranked Algeria on his shoulders. But it would appear a side from West Africa is poised to land the top prize.