Thrust into the Young Warriors hot job by default, assistant coach Mandla Mpofu on Tuesday took charge of the Under-20 soccer side following the departure of Jairosi Tapera who has departed for South Africa’s Black Leopards.

The Young Warriors leave for the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations return leg against Cameroon on Thursday where they are hoping for better fortunes following a 0-0 draw at home two weeks ago and Mpofu is looking to the Mighty Warriors for inspiration.

“The Mighty Warriors went there, came with a positive result same as the Under-23’s,  now it’s upon us to make sure we go there and make our country proud by bringing a positive result,” said Mpofu who will be assisted by Under-17 coach Tafadzwa Mashiri.

All the players from the team that drew against Cameroon have been retained with two additions in the form of Bantu Rovers’ Denzel Khumalo and Learnmore Muyambo of Harare City.

“I know it is a pressure job but my responsibility is to develop and feed to the national team. Most of the players in the senior national team passed through this team and I have worked with them before.

“I know people want results but the most important thing that we develop players for the national team and make sure the national team gets enough talent,” said Mpofu.

Squad:Nelson Chadya (Ngezi Platinum), Kelvin Shandiwa (Harare City), Lesley Lunga (Bantu Rovers), Bukhosi Ncube (Highlanders), Darryn Phiri (Triangle), Mathius Chodewa (Bantu Rovers), Patrick Musaka (Friendly Academy), Bukhosi Sibanda (Bantu Rovers), Blessing Sibanda (Tsholotsho), Learnmore Muyambo (Harare City), Peace Makaha (Dynamos), Leeroy Mavunga (Yadah FC), Blessing Nyamuzihwa (CAPS United, Amos Ncube (Chicken Inn), Denzel Khumalo (Bantu Rovers), Prince Dube (Highlanders), Obert Tofira (Friendly Academy), Munashe Kaseke (Malaga, Spain).