Online Reporter
Blessing Malinganiza
Zimpapers Sports Hub
WOLVES and Zimbabwe midfielder Tawanda Chirewa is optimistic about the national team’s future, despite their disappointing and early exit from the Africa Cup of Nations, which is ongoing in Morocco.
As has been a familiar tune, the Warriors failed to proceed beyond the first-round group stage of the competition.
And as has been the case in all their previous attempts with the AFCON tourney, Zimbabwe finished bottom of their group.
In the latest dance with the Nations Cup in Morocco, the Warriors finished bottom of Group B with a single point.
Despite their poor record, Chirewa, who played cameo roles in all three games in Morocco, sees something special in his class.
He believes the current squad has the hunger to succeed where previous teams have failed.
“The new crop of Warriors is hungry to break the jinx.
“We didn’t get the results we wanted, but we’ll learn from this and come back stronger,’’ Chirewa said.
He was used as a substitute in all three group games by coach Marian “Mario’’ Marinica in the matches against Egypt, South Africa and Angola.
Despite the setback, Chirewa remains positive about the team’s potential.
“We gave it our all, but it wasn’t our day. We will regroup and focus on the next challenge. We need to keep our heads high, we have brilliant players in our midst and that gives us another chance to work and achieve.
The Warriors left Marrakech yesterday via Casablanca and are expected to arrive in Harare at 10am this morning.
ZIFA have indicated they are happy with the brave manner in which the Warriors battled in each of their assignments as they sought to overcome their group stage jinx.
The association are looking to give the Warriors a heroes’ welcome on their return.
It was not immediately clear, though, whether Chirewa and the rest of the European contingent would be part of the travelling party to Harare with his club, Wolves last night involved in an end-of-year English Premier League assignment against giants Manchester United.
But for Chirewa, this AFCON marked his debut at a major tournament with the Warriors, and he has taken it with pride.
“It’s a proud moment to represent the country, play for the badge with all you have and try to get results.
“It comes with a lot of experience and learning from the experienced guys who are part of the team.
There is another different dimension of how things are done and I can say I have fully adjusted.
“The support from the fans was exceptional. The way they rallied behind the team, you can’t ask for more.’’
Chirewa also spoke about his club’s struggles in the EPL.
Wolves are making history for the wrong reasons, only collecting two points in 18 matches, the lowest by any team in the EPL for years.
“I have limited game time with my club, it’s a signal that I need to keep on working hard and get the trust of the manager.
“I need to go back and settle first and see how things will unravel. But I am hopeful the team will make a difference and turn the tables,’’ Chirewa said.
Peter Tanyanyiwa