Young Warriors coach Ndlovu confident
NATIONAL Under-20 team coach, Bekithemba “Super” Ndlovu is confident his charges will put up a better showing at the Mopani Copper Mines Cosafa Youth Championships in Zambia to make it past the group stages.
The juniors’ tournament kicks off today in Kitwe, but the Young Warriors are only in action tomorrow when they clash with Botswana in their opening fixture. Ndlovu said they had been focusing on their finishing as he believes they should not waste any chances they will create. He said last year they were blunt upfront, only scoring one goal but hopes the strikers would be more clinical this time around.
“We have been working on our finishing with emphasis on that we should score from every chance that we create. Last year we did not do well in front of goals but we hope the work that we have done will make us improve this year. We have not forgotten the defence because it is also critical but the main work was in the strike force,” said Ndlovu.
He bemoaned the fact they spent the better part of their preparations on an artificial pitch at Zifa Village as the turf in Zambia is grass adding this mightt have a negative effect. Ndlovu said besides the turf issue, he was happy with the preparations.ations.
“Obviously other teamseams are also working hard at training as wee all want to win, we have done our bit butt also believe we have to work hard when we get to Zambia. We cannot underestimate any of our opponents and I think all teams have an equal chance of clinching the trophy,” he said.
Ndlovu revealed threeree players, Tinotenda Chiunye, Blessing Nyamuzihwaamuzihwa and Andrew Mbeba had suffered knocks during training but made the trip to Zambia. The Bulawayo City coach is deputisedd by Mark Mathe at the Young Warriors. Ndlovuvu decried the fact they only have one assignmentent a year saying it was negatively affecting thehe grooming of young talent. He said Zifa shouldould seriously consider also entering the Youngng Warriors in the Caf Under-20 Nations Cup.p.
“I think we need to be more active as the Under-20 team rather than just playing at the Cosafa tournament only once a year.
“I don’t know why Zifa doesn’t enter other competitions, I think it would be more helpful if the team plays more tournaments if we are to play the crucial role of development,” he said.