Chidzambwa eyes away win
WARRIORS coach Sunday Chidzambwa says Zimbabwe will hunt for the crucial away goals when they take on Namibia in the first leg of the Africa Nations Championship qualifiers at the Sam Nujoma Stadium tomorrow.
The veteran coach yesterday said he would not allow the recent COSAFA Cup success to get into the players’ heads.
“We know the supporters are happy countrywide and they must keep supporting the team.
“We will also try and play to our level best in trying to achieve a good result for the nation.
“In these types of games we are looking at between trying to score an away goal or goals and also try as much as possible not to concede.
“Obviously, as a coach, every game that you play you would love to win it and the target here is to get into the next round.
“But you are bound to feel the pressure GROWING up in a football family, it was normal that Tinotendaishe Benza would be part of this game one day.
His chance has now come after being drafted into the Young Warriors preparing for the COSAFA Under-17 championships. in each and every game that you play. Our opponents are not easy opponents. We watched them when they played in South Africa.
“They have a good team and they are full of running. So we are not expecting an easy match in Namibia, it will be difficult,” said Chidzambwa.
The Warriors left for Windhoek yesterday afternoon.
The former Zimbabwe captain retained the core of the side that won the COSAFA tournament with skipper Ocean Mushure maintaining his place along with defensive midfielder Gerald Takwara, Liberty Chakoroma, Prince Dube, Jimmy Tigere, Raphael Manuvire, Talent Chawapiwa and goalkeeper Takabva Mawaya.
Chidzambwa has also roped in veteran goalkeepers’ trainer Brenna Msiska to beef up his technical bench that also has Lloyd Mutasa and Bongani Mafu.
“We had only one day of training but from what I saw I think we are happy with what we have. We have an equally good squad which is comparable to the one that won the COSAFA squad.
“I think these guys are going to bring a positive result. Since we had one training session we will have to arrange another training session (in Namibia) because one player Devine Lunga was missing and only came in last night.
“So we hope when we get there we have a training session and also have a second look at all of the players.”
Zimbabwe have qualified for every edition of the tournament which is exclusively for the local based players while Namibia have never made the finals in four editions.
Forward Talent Chawapiwa remains eligible until his transfer to South Africa is concluded when ZIFA issues an International Transfer Certificate.
Brave Warriors coach Ricardo Mannetti on Thursday announced his 18 players to face Zimbabwe.
Mannetti was excited to have striker Hendrick Somaeb and Roger Katjiteo as well as well midfielders Petrus Shitembi and Absalom Limbondi cleared to face the COSAFA champions tomorrow.
“These players boost the team immensely and compliment the others as well. We are facing a very tough Zimbabwe team that have active players and champion players and for us our players need to put in the extra effort on Sunday,’’ he said.
“We have to throw punches, big punches on Sunday.
“I expect our people to come and support the boys on Sunday after church.’’
Goalkeepers: Takabva Mawaya; Herbert Rusawo Defenders: Obey Mwerahari; Devine Lunga; Jimmy Dzingai; Dennis Dauda; Jimmy Tigere
Midfielders: Ocean Mushure; Moses Muchenje; Gerald Takwara; Liberty Chakoroma; Talent Chawapiwa; Emmanuel Mandiranga; Raphael Manuvire; Denver Mukamba
Strikers: Abbas Amidu; Prince Dube; Francesco Zekumbawira (ZPC Kariba)