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Tadious Manyepo in JOHANNESBURG
ZIMBABWE’S Ambassador to South Africa, David Hamadziripi, says the Warriors should display character when they face South Africa in a 2026 World Cup qualifier at Free State Stadium tomorrow.
The fixture comes exactly four days after Zimbabwe suffered a shock 2-0 to Lesotho at Orlando Stadium to put a dent to their qualification bid.
Jairos Tapera’s charges arrived in Bloemfontein yesterday.
Before leaving for Free State, the team was hosted at the Ambassador’s Residency in Pretoria for a luncheon on Saturday afternoon with Hamadziripi encouraging the players to go all out in search of a win tomorrow.
“I welcome all of you to your home here in Pretoria. I was very impressed with the brand of football that you displayed against Lesotho at Orlando Stadium yesterday (on Friday).
“It was a really good game which I felt we should have won as twice, the frame of the goal denied us. The result, at the end, didn’t go our way but the performance was top notch.
“We are only three points behind the group leaders with seven more games to be played in the qualifiers. From the way I saw you playing at Orlando, where I enjoyed action from the terraces, I have no doubt that we stand a very good chance of winning the group and punching our ticket to the World Cup.
“We will play against South Africa in Bloemfontein on Tuesday and I know you will give it your best shot.
“I know you are fighters and the quality you have will catapult us in that match. I urge you to go out there and showcase your skill and determination.
“I have no doubt that if you throw maximum effort and minimise mistakes, you will win the game.”
Hamadziripi hailed the game’s legends and players, based in South Africa, along with Zimbabwean-owned businesses operating in the neighbouring country, for going out of their way to ensure that the Warriors are comfortable. The luncheon was organised with the help of different companies fronted by funeral assurance concern Zororo-Phumulani and Hellopaisa.
“Let me take this opportunity to say thank you to the football legends and players based here in South Africa as well as the business community who came together to see to it that the Warriors’ stay here is enjoyable.
“They have supported the team right from the day the squad arrived here with some of them ensuring the team has a bus to use here.
“Others have donated a lot of items for the Warriors and that shows patriotism.
“The team will be in Bloemfontein and some of the companies have pledged to transport supporters from Johannesburg to rally behind the Warriors.”
Meanwhile, Zororo-Phumulani donated an assortment of equipment including kit bags to the Warriors on the sidelines of the event on Saturday.
Online Reporter