Battle Of Limpopo

confident South Africa in a Zone VI All-Africa Games final, first leg qualifier at Sinaba Stadium today.
The showdown between the two old enemies kicks off at 3pm and will be screened on ZBCTV.
The winner of the two-legged affair will secure a ticket to represent Zone VI at the All-Africa Games in Maputo, Mozambique
But after getting a chance to closely study the video of South Africa’s Olympic Games qualifier against Benin, the Young Warriors reckon that Amaglug-glug can be beaten.
The South Africans won 5-1 at home to overturn a 3-1 first leg deficit.
Young Warriors and Dynamos midfielder Timire Mamvura said they had noted that Benin had made “the mistake of giving South Africa too much respect”.
Mamvura, who can also play at right back, is set to be tasked with forming the first defensive shield for goalkeeper Ariel Nkomo together with his DeMbare teammate Devon Chafa.
After having their first session at the match venue, Mamvura said the Young Warriors would need to take the game to the hosts if they were to secure a result that would help make life easier for them in the return leg at Rufaro.
Mamvura, however, conceded that Amaglug-glug would be tougher than their opponents in the earlier rounds – Zambia and Botswana.
“It won’t be an easy match because South Africa are a good side. But we are confident of going back home with at least a draw.
“We had a chance to watch South Africa’s match against Benin and nothing really worried us about them. With all due respect Benin were poor and gave South Africa respect and too much room but that is something that we won’t do,” Mamvura said.
Skipper Qadr Amini also reiterated his team’s confidence of securing a result in today’s game, which could attract a good crowd given the huge number of Zimbabweans in Johannesburg.
“We are here on a mission and nothing will stop us from achieving our goal . . . we might as well have stayed back home if we weren’t confident of holding our own against South Africa,” Amini said.
Despite both sides having been robbed of a chance to use such star players like Knowledge Musona, Khama Billiat for Zimbabwe and Andile Jali and Thulani Serero for the hosts, South Africa are riding on a high following their Olympic success.
Ephraim “Shakes” Mashaba’s charges have been an irresistible force at home, having dispatched Malawi 4-1 before last weekend’s mauling of Benin.
But Amini reckons the pressure will be more on South Africa in today’s match.
“They are the ones under pressure because their fans expect them to repeat the same performance that saw them beat Benin,” said Amini.
Having watched Amaglug-glug’s game against Benin, coach Friday Phiri maintains his lads have what it takes to end the day with one foot in September’s All-Africa Games.
“There is nothing special about them and I believe we can match or even surpass them in every department,” said the Young Warriors mentor. It is important that we keep our shape throughout the match because South Africa throw everyone forward when attacking and chances of getting them on the counter are very high if we are tactically disciplined. Our goal is to get a positive result ahead of the return leg in Harare as, despite doing well at home, South Africa have proven to be poor travellers.”
The Young Warriors had a feel of the match venue yesterday and it’s highly likely that leading Castle Lager Premiership marksman Simba Sithole will be deployed as a lone striker.
Returning Dynamos midfielder Archford Gutu, back from suspension, is expected to be the playmaker.
The experienced Tafadzwa “Fire” Rusike should line up at his favoured left wing position with the Bolton Wanderers-bound Mathew Rusike doing the same on the right.
For all the Young Warriors’ enthusiasm, a confident Mashaba believes his charges are good enough to go on and win the All-Africa Games gold medal.
The veteran South African coach hinted that they would throw everything at Zimbabwe while seeking to give goalkeeper Darren Keet enough cover.
“Our mission is to go on and win the All-frica Games. Seriously speaking, if you asked me to choose between the Olympics and the All-Africa Games I would say let me win the All-Africa Games first. I am aware that Zimbabwe has brought a number of good players but we are ready for them. The boys, who have bothered to answer the call for national duty, are raring to kick on from where they left against Benin,” Mashaba said
Mashaba was left fuming after his moves to call the likes of Jali and Serero hit a brick wall as their clubs, Orlando Pirates and Ajax Cape Town hung onto their men.
It was the same story with Kaizer Chiefs and Ajax Cape Town denying Phiri a chance to call on Musona and Billiat.
South Africa will once again be banking on Orlando Pirates starlet Bongani Ndulula, who has scored 13 goals for Amaglug-glug, to lead the line of attack.
Ndulula hit a brace against Benin although he admits that the Young Warriors will be a different proposition.
“Many people are under the impression that Zimbabwe are a weaker team but I can tell you they are not. Even though Zimbabwe will put up a fight we will not disappoint our fans as I believe no team can stop us. When you tell yourself you score you will score, it’s all in the mind. I have already told myself that I will score against Zimbabwe,” Ndulula was quoted as saying.
Probable Zimbabwe team
A Sibanda, O Mwerahari, Q Amini, L Zvasiya, K Machona, T Mamvura, D Chafa, M Rusike, T Rusike