Zifa dissolved as Warriors date destiny
RETURNING Warriors striker Tendai “Fire” Ndoro says local fans should come to the National Sports Stadium ready for one hell of a party.
Ndoro has been in scintillating form for Orlando Pirates in the South African Absa Premiership, scoring 10 goals in eight starts between February and April. Much is expected of the striker as Zimbabwe host Malawi this afternoon in an Afcon qualifying match. Ndoro last featured for the senior national side when they were held to a frustrating 2-all draw by Tanzania at the same venue in June 2014 and the 27-year-old is eager to make up for lost time.
“The fans should not miss this one. They should come in their numbers and I assure them they will be very happy and will enjoy every moment. I can’t say I will score or do this or that but I know for a fact that Zimbabweans will enjoy on Sunday no matter who plays.”
The Orlando Pirates man is thrilled to be back in the Warriors fold.
“It’s been a while since I last played for the national team so naturally I am happy to be back and looking forward to the match. We really need to qualify and make the nation proud. At the same time it’s good for us as players to play at such big tournaments because we then get to market ourselves,” said Ndoro.
With Chinese based forward Nyasha Mushekwi failing to pitch up for camp, Ndoro is likely to be handed the centre striker’s role but the former Chicken Inn talisman was quick to emphasise that team effort will be key in the Warriors’ quest for a third Afcon appearance.
“Whoever plays should just push hard for the good of the team. The national team is not about individuals but collective dreams. The coach has called the best available players and all we need to do now is work as a team and give the nation something to celebrate. But with what I have seen at training I am certain it will be an afternoon to remember,” said Ndoro.
Meanwhile, Kudakwashe Mahachi is going about his business with so much confidence and swagger. It’s easy to forget that the lad is just 22 and almost quit the game after being treated like a rag by South African side Mamelodi Sundowns. The much sought after Golden Arrows winger also exudes maturity as he speaks about this afternoon’s clash against Malawi.
“Look, we can see the Promised Land but we are not there yet,” said Mahachi, a star performer when the Warriors dismissed Uganda in a midweek friendly. “There is so much hype about this game but as players we need to stay grounded and appreciate that we haven’t beaten Malawi yet. Yes, we are confident and playing at home gives us a massive advantage but the game has to be played and won so let’s go out there, do the job and see where we end up.” Mahachi had the world at his feet after a jaw dropping outing at the 2014 Chan finals in South Africa but his fortunes nose-dived when he joined Mamelodi Sundowns. Amasandawana never gave him a chance and he nearly walked away from the game only to rise again at Golden Arrows. Mahachi revealed that Warriors mentor Kallisto Pasuwa’s advice kept him going during the most difficult phase of his short but eventful career. “It was a difficult period but I thank God that I am here now. I am happy with the way I played this season and I want to also thank coach Pasuwa for all the support he gave me during those difficult times. For me the best way to say thank you is to play a major role in ensuring that we go to the Afcon.
“But we need to be careful and not blow away this golden chance. If you look at it there is a lot of excitement and worse still with the 2-0 win over Uganda, but all that is water under the bridge. We need to work hard as was before if we are to get a result.”
For Mahachi the clash against Malawi marks the first time that he takes to the pitch in a key Warriors tie following the tragic death of his daughter and the winger wants to do it for his late angel too. “I want to win this one for her,” he said. Should Zimbabwe win and Guinea fail to beat Swaziland, the job would have been done, although a win today and a draw away to Guinea will also take the Warriors through.