Online Reporter
Langton Nyakwenda
THERE was a flu outbreak in the Warriors camp yesterday and team doctors were still assessing the situation by last night, ahead of today’s COSAFA showdown against South Africa.
Six-time champions Zimbabwe are seeking to bounce back from a goalless draw against Mauritius when they take on rivals Bafana Bafana in Bloemfontein this afternoon.
After Zimbabwe failed to create enough chances against Mauritius on Wednesday, chances were high coach Simon Marange would ring some changes.
More changes could now happen as some players are battling a flu outbreak that hit the Warriors camp yesterday.
While Zimbabwe were solid at the back, thanks to an efficient centre back pairing of skipper Andrew Mbeba and Allan Chapinduka, they lacked the cutting edge upfront.
Marange played a 4-3-3 formation, with Tinotenda Meke, Nisbert Muzenda and Thandolwenkosi Ngwenya forming the attacking trident.
Kennedy Mupomba, Junior Makunike and Prosper Padera made up the midfield trio.
Marange and his technical staff have been working on the final attacking third, since that goalless draw on Wednesday.
Unfortunately, they are also now having to deal with the unexpected flu outbreak.
“There’s a bit of a flu outbreak, so there might be some players that might not make it,” Marange told Zimpapers Sports Hub yesterday.
The demands from Wednesday’s game also left a few players nursing some knocks.
Marange is anticipating a tough clash against South Africa, in a game Zimbabwe have to win to stay on course for a seventh championship.
“It’s going to be a tough one against South Africa,” said Marange.
“We didn’t create as many chances against Mauritius, not as many clear-cut chances as we wanted
“When we created chances, we didn’t take them. So, it’s something that we’ve obviously talked a lot about,” said Marange.
The games come thick and fast at COSAFA, which makes recovery key.
“We haven’t had much training time, but we’ve talked about it.
“We’ve highlighted some of the areas that we need to work on and also how we’d like to attack them and be a bit better in the final third.
“Our decision-making in terms of the choices that we take and our execution in the final third is also important.
“It’s something that we’re going to be looking at very closely to see if we get better in that area because I think it was an area that needed attention.”
The Warriors trained yesterday morning with the team doctors expected to conduct some late fitness tests last night.
“I’m not at liberty to say who is doubtful and who is not, we’ll only know after training and maybe tonight (last night) after the doctors had some time with the boys.
“So, we’re looking forward to the game.
“There are a few players that we want to see and give an opportunity as well.
“So yeah, we obviously put our best foot forward to compete and get the best result possible out of the game.”
