Online Reporter
Innocent Kurira, [email protected]
FOOTBALL can be a cruel game, Highlanders coach and former Manchester City striker Benjani Mwaruwari has warned, as he urged the nation to look beyond Thursday’s result and assess the football philosophy being introduced by new Warriors coach Ramon Catalá.
Catalá begins his competitive reign with a 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Sierra Leone in El Jadida, Morocco, in what will be his first opportunity to put his ideas into practice in a competitive match.
The Spaniard was appointed in August on a four-year contract and has had limited time to work with his players before the Warriors’ Group E opener.
For Benjani, that makes it important to assess more than simply the final score.
“Football can be a cruel game sometimes. You can play well and still not get the result, so we also need to look at the philosophy the new coach is bringing and how the players are responding to his ideas,” said Mwaruwari.
The former Warriors captain understands the demands that come with taking over a national team, particularly when a coach is expected to make an immediate impact without the benefit of months of preparation.
Catalá has already outlined his desire to see the Warriors play an attacking and aggressive style, with possession and pressing forming part of his approach.
Tomorrow’s encounter will provide the first indication of how quickly the players can adapt to those demands.
There have already been disruptions to his plans.
Zimbabwe have already lost forwards Tino Kadewere and Prince Dube and Liverpool defender Isaac Mabaya to injury.
Sierra Leone have also been affected by injuries, losing midfielder Hindolo Mustapha and defender Emmanuel Samadia from their original squad.
Catalá will have to find the balance between imposing his philosophy and getting results quickly, with the Warriors facing the Democratic Republic of Congo just four days after tmorrow’s clash.
The DRC match will be played at the refurbished National Sports Stadium on September 28, marking Zimbabwe’s return to their traditional home for a competitive international fixture after years of playing home matches outside the country.
