Online Reporter
Langton Nyakwenda in FRANCISTOWN, Botswana
ZAMBIA’S assistant coach Oswald Mutapa acknowledges Zimbabwe have the experience and better profiled players, but refuses to wear the underdog tag.
The Warriors of Zimbabwe clash against Chipolopolo of Zambia in the inaugural Mukuru Four Nations final this evening.
The venue is Obedi Itani Chilume in Francistown and the kick-off is 6PM.
Zimbabwe and Zambia have a storied rivalry that always brings the best out of the players each time they clash, regardless of the calibre of the fixture.
Both nations are eager to be the dominant force in Southern Africa, and the Mukuru Four Nations tournament has provided a fresh platform for Zimbabwe and Zambia to slug it out.
While Zimbabwe have a vastly experienced side, captained by former Aston Villa midfielder Marvelous Nakamba, Zambia’s squad is made up of prospects that are shining in the local league.
Mutapa, who is standing in for George Lwandamina, has also drafted in some players who played at the FIFA U-17 World Cup.
On the other hand, Zimbabwe coach Marian Marinica has opted for consistency, calling in most of the players who featured at the 2025 TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations.
Apart from Nakamba, Marinica has also included the likes of Gerald Takwara, Munashe Garananga, Jonah Fabisch, Daniel Msendami, Bill Antonio, Emmanuel Jalai, Godknows Murwira and Washington Navaya.
However, Zambian gaffer Mutapa spoke confidently about his team’s chances of winning the Cup at yesterday’s press conference.
“No, no, (we are not underdogs), we should be able to compete.
“There is a way that you have to work against experience. “I think we have the energy, we have to play at the highest intensity,” said Mutapa.
Zambia beat Malawi 9-8 after a penalty shoot-out in the semi-final of the inaugural Mukuru Four Nations tournament at the same venue on Saturday.
Zimbabwe scored three first-half goals for the first time in 14 years to dismantle hosts Botswana in the other semi-final.
The Warriors’ performance against the Zebras caught a lot of attention.
Even the Zambian camp took notice.
“We don’t have to give the experienced side the time and space to think.
“So, we take advantage of our energy levels, our intensity to counter the experience.”
Among those called up for Chipolopolo include top performers in the Zambian Super League, including Zanaco’s Eliya Mandanji who was at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco, Abraham Siankombo, Patrick Chooma and Golden Mashata.
Mutapa has drafted in some Under-17 FIFA World Cup stars like Jonathan Kalimina, Abel Nyirongo, Kelvin Chipelu and Christo Chitambala.
Nonetheless, the Zambian coach expects a tough encounter against Zimbabwe.
“Yes, we expect a very tough game, playing a very experienced side, but this is football.
“Just like we played the Malawian side, which was very experienced, the boys put in their all. “(Against Malawi), you could see we maintained the structure, we were fearless, and I think we created chances that could have won us the game.
“Similarly, in the coming game, hopefully the same happens, but this time around if we can bury the chances.”
Against Malawi, Zambia created a glut of chances and had a goal disallowed.
Chipolopolo are aiming to take that form into today’s match against Zimbabwe.
But, Mutapa is aware his team has its weaknesses.
He also thinks Zimbabwe have their own too.
