adminZimbabwe clash with the Palancas Negras in the second and final Nations Cup qualifier in Luanda tomorrow (5pm Zimbabwean time).
Without doubt the match will be tension filled as the former World Cup participants are facing the prospects of not making it to the biggest football showpiece on the African continent. To show how serious they are, reports coming from Luanda indicate that the Angolan Football Association has announced that entry will be for free so as to guarantee maximum support for their team.
However, fans interviewed yesterday seemed not perturbed at all with some indicating that they were already in the process of purchasing tickets for the finals next year.
Former Njube Sundowns and Chicken Inn head coach, Philani “Beefy” Ncube said he had no doubt that the Warriors would go through but called for full tactical discipline and concentration as without doubt the situation will be volatile in Luanda.
“The first 20 minutes will be very crucial. Maximum concentration, composure and tactical awareness will take us through. We will do it though, pressure is on Angola,” said Ncube.
Even coach Gumbo believes the Angolans are in a corner and will come out guns blazing, a situation which might work in favour of the Warriors.
Zifa Class One female referee who is also a teacher at a primary school in Shangani, Saneliso Sibanda, said Gumbo should apply the now famous Chelsea way of defending, popularly known as “bus parking”.
“Lets just park a bus and I am sure we will pull through. I think the boys will win 3-0,” predicted Sibanda.
Former Zimbabwe Saints and Hwange player Mlamleli Ncube, now based in South Africa, said there was no reason why the
Warriors cannot make it down South and said he was already looking forward to their arrival.
“I am looking forward to watching my homeboys in action here,” he said.
Abel Zulu said Peter Ndlovu, Warriors assistant coach, took the nation to the Nations Cup finals in 2004 and 2006 as captain and now he will take the nation to Afcon as a coach.
“King Peter (Ndlovu) took us to Afcon as captain now he will take us as assistant to Rahman, not forgetting Yogi (David Mandigora),” said Zulu.
Top female golfer, who is a member of Harry Allen Golf Club in Bulawayo, Lorraine Dlamini, said the match was too close to predict.
“I am too scared to say,” that’s all she could say.
Popular freelance football cameraman Thandazani Zimbwa said Zimbabwe’s chances were infact very good while Hwange based sports correspondent Tobias Mandoreba predicted a draw.
“I feel we will make it with a draw in Luanda, the motivation aspect is covered all that is left is for the boys to do their part,” he said.
Zifa promised the boys $10 000 in winning bonuses plus housing stands at a suburb in Harare.
A soccer fan from Hwange, Ananias Banda also predicted a nil all draw which would effectively propel the team to South Africa.
“We are on course to South Africa,” he said.
Some fans called on the boys to avoid an early goal from the Angolans who might defend after that and then seek a sucker puncher that will effectively kill off the match as a contest.
Online Reporter