‘Angola not special’

a blood and thunder 2013 African Cup of Nations final qualifying showdown in Luanda on Sunday.

As the countdown to the big match continued with its fever gripping the nation, a defiant Murambadoro said the clash against the Palancas Negras in Luanda needed to be treated like any other away assignment they have previously fulfilled.
The big former CAPS United, Bnei Shaknin and Bidvest Wits goalkeeper earned a recall to the Warriors last week soon after being cleared from the Asiagate match-fixing allegations along with six other players.

Murambadoro, who kept goal when the Warriors made their maiden appearance at the 2004 Nations Cup finals in Tunisia said it was imperative that the senior team avoids putting themselves under unnecessary pressure ahead of Sunday’s decider at the 11 November Stadium in Luanda.
The Warriors, cushioned by a 3-1 first leg lead, achieved at Rufaro on September 9 will travel to Angola knowing that they must just avoid melting in the heat of the intense battle in Luanda to seal their passage to only their third Nations Cup appearance.

Now veteran goalkeeper Murambadoro who could not hide his relief at being cleared from the Asiagate scam, believes the key to success in Luanda lies in the Warriors remaining focused on the job at hand.

Murambadoro said although there is now a huge wave of expectation sweeping across the nation that is eager to see its flagship team succeeding, the onus was on the players to avoid putting themselves under undue pressure by shutting themselves from the any off-field matters.
“I am actually very relieved to be cleared from Asiagate, it was a heavy toll carrying such allegations because we didn’t know what was going to happen with the case and I want to thank God for that.

“I was also very surprised that the nation still remembers that I am there after so much time away from the national team because of one or two things. It shows that people are appreciating me and appreciate what I have done whenever I am called for duty.
“I also want to say to all those that have been keeping guard in goals that it’s been a job well done, it has not been an easy road for us to reach the level where we are now. I remember that in some years back we were in the same situation like what we find ourselves in now and we prevailed because of hard work,’’ Murambadoro said.

Murambadoro however, reckoned that it is the manner in which the Warriors will handle the tough task in Luanda, which will determine their destiny.
“Yes it is going to be a tough game but Angola are not special or different from any other team we have played. We should not worry about the last hurdle jinx, we should just treat it like any other game, apply ourselves according to the instructions from our coach and we will come good. We should not focus on all the other things that might be happening here and there, we should just pay attention to our training and focus on the game, that way we will make life easier for ourselves.

“We should treat this game the same way we have treated all the games we have been playing in the last few months. I have always said if you are a football player you should learn to deal with any pressure and the fact that these players are in the national team means they know how to deal with pressure. I think pressure is not so much on the field as such . . . pressure is out there. We should actually use pressure to motivate us,’’ Murambadoro said.

Murambadoro who has also seen duty in Belgium with Germinal Beerschot said the presence of a number of seasoned players in the squad had meant a good blend with the younger and enthusiastic players who have graduated into the Warriors ranks.

“I like the unity of purpose that I have seen in camp and if we maintain that, we will succeed. The good thing is that the youngsters have also been coming and seeking advice kuti apa toita sei, apa toita sei?

“We have confidence in the youngsters but we are also urging them that we should not be complacent, we still have work to do in Luanda even if we are leading . . . It’s another chance to make history for us as players, for our country and for our football,’’ Murambadoro said.

Another Warriors “returning resident’’ Kingston Nkatha also saluted the senior side for the worth ethic they have shown since camp began and felt the determination being shown by everyone in the squad meant that the senior team meant business.

Nkatha just like the majority of the players in camp was given a run out during a practice match between the Warriors and Harare City at Italian Sports Club as the national team coaches continued to assess the players at their disposal.

“It’s a good thing to come back into the national team and coming back here is a good feeling for me as you know everyone wants to play for the national team. I am looking forward to the game against Angola. I think the game against Angola will be tough but looking at the way the guys have been working hard at training. I think we will come out with a positive result,’’ Nkatha said.

Nkatha said although he had spent a long while away from the Warriors fold, he had been closely following their progress and believes they have the pedigree to overcome the Angolan challenge and be part of the Nations Cup jamboree.
“I have been watching their games and reading some of the stuff in the newspapers and they have been doing well, they also have a good coach,’’ Nkatha said.

Nkatha has got off to a flying start in his stint at South African Premiership giants Kaizer Chiefs whom he joined from modest side Black Leopards and the former CAPS FC forward said the reception he got from the Amakhosi family had helped him to easily settle and gel into the system at Naturena.
With coach Rahman Gumbo enjoying a positive selection headache, something that has been a rarity since the seasoned coach returned to the Warriors fold in February, it should be another good day in the office for the senior team in Luanda.
Crucially Gumbo and his men just like the nation that is backing them, believe it can be done.