Online Reporter
Blessing Malinganiza
Zimpapers Sports Hub
ZIMBABWE have approved an early December training camp for the Warriors, giving coach Marina “Super Mario” Marinica a rare head start before the AFCON finals.
This means the technical team will get uninterrupted time with local players as soon as the domestic season wraps up this weekend.
For Super Mario, who has only had a brief look at his squad during friendlies against Algeria and Qatar, this window offers something national coaches seldom get.
A space to drill structure and identity before a major tournament.
It comes at a crucial moment.
The Warriors are bracing for a demanding AFCON campaign in Group B against Egypt, Angola, and South Africa.
And, the scars from five straight group stage exits still run deep.
This camp is designed to break that pattern.
A tighter, more concentrated programme is expected to help the Warriors build chemistry, sharpen their organisation, and give the coaching staff a clear reading of who is ready for tournament football.
The first phase will centre on home-based players.
Those abroad will link up as soon as their club schedules allow, keeping the door open for a stronger, blended squad as AFCON draws closer.
“The association have already considered the importance of starting preparations early with a motive to have the coach have ample time to assess the players,” said a source.
“The association already engaged the coach and that is confirmed that if all goes as to plan the camp is set for early December.
“The camp will have local-based players waiting for the foreign-based players to come in at a given point where they will be available according to the schedule .”
