Online Reporter
Innocent Kurira, Zimpapers Sports Hub
NEWLY appointed Warriors coach Mario Marinica has challenged his players to sharpen their attack and show more ruthlessness in front of goal as Zimbabwe prepare for next month’s Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) finals in Morocco.
Speaking from the team’s training base in Jeddah, where the Warriors face Algeria in a friendly on Thursday, Marinica said his immediate focus is to make the team more threatening going forward.
“Secondly, we will be trying to see some areas that in the past may have not been right like creating scoring opportunities and taking good shots, hitting the target dangerously and, as much as possible, scoring goals,” said Marinica.
“Number one is seeing a positive response from the players and them putting their hands up and saying it’s a big honour to play for the Zimbabwe national team and actually represent the country. It’s up to them to bring massive joy to the people of Zimbabwe.”
The Romanian coach, who succeeded German mentor Michael Nees last week, took charge of his first session on Monday as the Warriors began preparations for their two international friendlies against Algeria and Qatar.
“First of all, thank you very much for welcoming me, and thank you very much to everyone that has not seen me and been with me, but there were so many who have tried to welcome me,” he said. “I have to thank everyone and also for the opportunity to lead Zimbabwe during this difficult period as we look to qualify past the group stages. I saw today lots of quality, I have seen before lots of quality. It’s not easy, but I have seen a lot of quality.”
Marinica admitted there were still challenges, including travel fatigue and delayed player arrivals.
“There was a bit of a challenge travelling 14 hours. There are challenges in players’ arrival and not having all the players now, so I think I am pleased with the players’ response and the staff and officials who have tried to assist us,” he said.
He emphasised that success at Afcon would depend on discipline, hard work, and the pride of wearing the national colours.
“We have tough opponents in Egypt, we try to play Algeria, and then we also have Angola, which is another good team, and South Africa also a good team and a rival opponent. We need to go there and get the required points,” said Marinica.
“All the players have to put a lot of energy into the matches because they have to show they really want to win.
“To win matches, you need a lot of heart and desire, and hard work and determination. We need to be dangerous upfront.”
The 24-man Warriors squad blends experience and youth, with seasoned campaigners Marvelous Nakamba (Luton Town), Jordan Zemura (Udinese), Teenage Hadebe (FC Cincinnati), and Walter Musona (Scottland FC) joined by young talents Tawanda Chirewa (Wolverhampton Wanderers) and Bill Antonio (KV Mechelen).
Zimbabwe, ranked 129th in the world, are in Group B with Egypt, South Africa and Angola at the Afcon finals, which run from December 21 to January 18. Marinica’s mission is to finally steer the Warriors beyond the group stages, a feat no coach has managed before.
Thursday’s friendly against Algeria kicks off at 6:30pm (Zimbabwean time) at King Abdullah Sports City Stadium. The team will then travel to Doha for Monday’s clash with Qatar at the Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium.
