Abbas Amidu ready for Angola challenge

expected to step up their preparations this morning, and Rahman Gumbo’s men will be under pressure to secure a comfortable home win in order to stand in good stead for qualification to next year’s finals in South Africa.
Amidu was among a few members of the foreign legion to join the local Premiership players who trickled into camp yesterday,
The former Aces Youth Academy forward, who is now turning out for Absa Premiership side Black Leopards and is enjoying some game time after a frustrating spell at Kaizer Chiefs, is confident that the Warriors will qualify for the Nations Cup.
“We have to win. We want to qualify for Afcon. King Peter and his team did their part and it is now left to us the young generation to qualify for the African Cup of Nations again. It would be good for the nation to qualify for the tournament again.
“We know fans have lost hope in the Warriors but we really want to do well because a successful national team also means successful players and it would also be good for us.
“Also, the team which has been called up has played together in the age groups and unfortunately we didn’t qualify for any tournament but we believe we can now do it with the senior team,” said Amidu.
Amidu felt the presence of seasoned players like Esrom Nyandoro and Tinashe Nengomasha will help the majority of the younger players to settle in the Warriors easily.
“Players such as Tinashe have played at the tournament and it would be their last Afcon tourney and they would want the team to qualify again. They will advise us accordingly and we need their advice at the crucial time.
Amidu said his Black Leopards coach, Sunday Chidzambwa, who also guided the Warriors to their Nations Cup debut in 2004 had given him advice before he flew back home on Sunday.
“I am doing well with Mudhara Mhofu. He also gave me advice and said we should win. He said the tournaments like the Nations Cup open doors for us players. So we are confident that coach Rahman will also take the team to the finals,” said Amidu.
The midfielder says he has adjusted to life in Limpopo Province and the club is enjoying a good start in the Absa Premiership where they are yet to lose a match.
Amidu already has a goal on his account after scoring in the opening match — a 3-2 victory against Bloemfontein Celtics. Leopards were, however, held to a goalless draw by newboys Chippa United at the weekend and they had earlier managed another 2-2 deadlock against Bidvest Wits.
“We have started better than the previous season and there is a good feeling in the camp and we just hope it would be a good season for us. l just hope I will continue to play well without injuries,’’ said Amidu.
A brief statement issued by Zifa yesterday also confirmed the names of some of the early birds to join the Warriors camp.
“Please be advised that the following players have arrived in camp for the senior national team, Arnold Chaka, Abbas Amidu, Khama Billiat, Denver Mukamba, Peter Moyo, George Chigova, Ariel Sibanda, Nelson Mazivisa, Rodwell Chinyengetere and Innocent Mapuranga.
“Donald Ngoma is still on is way to Harare and expected to join camp tonight. Passmore Bernard and Marlon Jani are on their way to Harare from Bulawayo where they had a fixture over the weekend. 
“Players expected to arrive tomorrow are Tapuwa Kapini, Carlington Nyadombo, Quincy Antipas, Takesure Chinyama, Esrom Nyandoro and Oscar Machapa.”
Warriors’ team manager Nyika Chifamba could, however not shed much light on the players who have reported for camp and said he would be in a much better position late last night.
“I can confirm that Abbas and Chaka (Arnold) have arrived but all the players will report for camp in the evening and that is when we will really know who is here and not.
“We expect the majority of the players to be in by today (last night). Quincy (Antipas) should arrive tomorrow (today) while we except Archie Gutu and Musona to arrive on Wednesday,” said Chifamba.