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Fungai Muderere
JAIROS Tapera has given his charges the thumbs up despite their COSAFA Cup tournament exit after collapsing in the final group game.
The Warriors needed just a draw to win their group, but suffered a 0-2 defeat at the hands of Kenya
Tapera said he was proud of his charges despite their failure to reach the knock-out stage of the tournament.
“I can’t say I am proud of the six points that we got because there was a chance for us to qualify for the knock-out stage.
“But I am proud of the performance of the boys. Most of these guys, it was their first time to play in an international competition.
“They showed a lot of skill and organisation which I feel, if given an opportunity, they can graduate to the next level.
“Apart from the result, I’m proud of the boys. They showed a lot of courage and going forward I am sure we will have a stable national team,” said Tapera.
He added:
“We could have avoided this loss in many ways but it was not our day, I knew from the start that it was going to be difficult to force a comeback if we conceded first.
“The boys tried everything they could to avoid this loss but our best was not enough.”
Warriors COSAFA
Goalkeepers: Marley Tavaziva (Brentford), Raphael Pitisi (Highlanders), Joseph Kaunda (Manica Diamonds)
Defenders: Shane Maroodza (Huddersfield), Godknows Murwira (CAPS United), Emmanuel Jalai (Dynamos), Isheanesu Mauchi (Simba Bhora), Tawanda Chisi (Manica Diamonds), Malvern Hativagoni (Bulawayo Chiefs)
Midfielders: Joey Phuthi (Sheffield Wednesday), Tatenda Tavengwa (Venda FC), McKinnon Mushore (Highlanders), Richard Hachiro (Ngezi Platinum), Donald Mudadi (Dynamos), Kingsley Mureremba (CAPS United), Tinotenda Meke (GreenFuel), Panashe Mutimbanyoka (FC Platinum), Juan Mutudza (FC Platinum)
Forwards: Michael Tapera (Manica Diamonds), Never Rauzhi (Bulawayo Chiefs), Takunda Benhura (Ngezi Platinum), Washington Mapuya (GreenFuel)
Online Reporter