Online Reporter
Tadious Manyepo
Zimpapers Sports Hub
WARRIORS captain Marvelous Nakamba said the exhibition match against Highlanders was key in providing a platform for self-introspection ahead of the Four Nations tournament in Botswana.
The senior national side featured in a goalless sparring showdown against Premier Soccer League giants Highlanders at Barbourfields on Wednesday in what became a historic moment for the team who got to play on home soil for the first time since 2019 when they hosted veteran coach Joey Antipas’ men and Mauritius in an African Nations Championship qualifier.
Until yesterday, Marian “Mario” Marinica’s team had been camping in the country’s second city, preparing for the Four Nations tournament that gets underway in Francistown, Botswana tomorrow.
Zimbabwe face the hosts in the first semi-final at Obed Itani Chilume Stadium before Kalisto Pasuwa’s Malawi and Zambia square off in the other duel.
Winners of the two semi-final games will then clash in the final next Tuesday while the losers will get to battle for third place on the same day and at the same venue.
Such is the importance with which ZIFA are taking this international friendly tournament, which can have a bearing on the international rankings, that the association decided to give Marinica a glimpse of his squad through a sparring match against Bosso.
Highlanders on their part, are using every opportunity to celebrate their Centenary anniversary this year.
The match was played with low intensity levels as caution underlined it all.
However, the captain of the ship, Nakamba, believes the match helped the Warriors see where they stand before plunging into the Four Nations battle.
“I am happy with the way everything played out on Wednesday against Highlanders. The boys played well and I think the game helped us and the coach as well,” said Nakamba.
“It was a good match. It prepared us well for the Four Nations tournament I guess.”
Nakamba, who was playing at Barbourfields for the first time since leaving the country to pursue his career overseas more than a decade ago was received with cheers from fans.
He commended ZIFA on their effort to afford the team and the fans to interact on home soil since 2019.
Nakamba said: “I think it’s good for Zimbabwean football and also Barbourfields is always full and it was good also to see our friends and our relatives.
“It was a good welcome and also it was a good game and also playing my boys at Highlanders some of whom I played with in the junior league some of them like they were in the junior league behind me so it was a good feeling.
“We’ve been training well and we had a training match with Highlanders and the new guys are adjusting well. Everyone is welcoming them well and so far they pushed hard, they are training hard although they have just arrived.”
The Warriors were hit by withdrawals due to injuries to some seasoned and key players but Marinica is still happy with what he has at his disposal at the moment.
The squad had a recovery session yesterday before they travelled to Francistown where they arrived safely early in the evening.
