adminZimbabwe take on Angola at Rufaro Stadium in the first leg of the final qualifier on 9 September. The coaches opted for a seemingly strong side of both locals and those plying their trade abroad with a good mix of experience, grit and bubbling youth.
Harlington Shereni, Benjani Mwaruwari and Edelbert Dinha, all of whom starred with distinction for the country, said they believe in the team chosen to face Angola.
They said that the boys should not be put under unnecessary pressure and that over-confidence also could be a harmful factor.
The Warriors last took part in the Afcon finals in 2006 in Egypt.
Successive years of misplaced priorities by the administration that saw them turn a blind eye to match-fixing with more emphasis on money making trips to Asia in matches allegedly organised by betting syndicates, saw the Warriors brand diminish in value.
Zimbabwe failed to reach the finals in 2008, 2010 and 2012 and find themselves just a tie away from making it with 13 October the date of the second leg in Luanda.
“I am confident that the boys identified by the coaches will do the job. I have seen a number of the players a couple of times, boys like Rodwell Chinyengetere, are promising talent. He has shown the hunger for success, some of the players are here in South Africa and we watch them regularly.
“Chances look quite good for us to play at the finals. I do not think Angolan football is on the right footing, it does not look as strong and as good as previous years. We stand a good chance if we make thorough preparations and concentrate on the task ahead,” said Dinha.
Dinha, one of the best players to emerge from Harare in the 1990s had a distinguished stay in South Africa playing for Seven Stars before joining Orlando Pirates with whom he won several pieces of silverware.
He once captained the side.
Shereni said playing at that level was every player’s desire. He said wanting to be at the finals was a big incentive demanding the best from the boys.
“I have been there before, the atmosphere is great, as a player when you find yourself so close, hold your nerve, do not stress, take it easy and give it the best shot knowing that you are doing it for your country and yourself.
“I wish the boys good luck, we will be behind them in our prayers as we want them to do us proud. Nothing beats being at the games as a participant,” said Shereni the former Air Zimbabwe Jets wingback who had a decent career in Swirtzerland where he turned out for Delemont before moving to France.
Mwaruwari, a former Young Blood and Highlanders junior, said he wished the boys luck in the game against Angola. He said the tie would not be an easy one as there was pressure for the boys to deliver on the grand stage. He said the fact that we had stayed long without qualifying tended to put the boys under a lot of pressure. “Yes, it’s been a while without us participating in the finals.
Everyone wishes the boys good luck, we only hope they take up the challenge positively and try to qualify. Who would not want to come to South Africa to watch his home country?” said Benjani.
Zifa have made an undertaking that they want a trouble-free camp. They have said they will ensure players get home with ease and get the best facilities for the team.
Jonathan Mashingaidze, the Zifa chief executive officer, said the association was aware of machinations by those fingered in Asiagate who want the country to fail. “We are aware there is a plot to destabilise the team including some agents calling on their players to under-perform so that the Zifa administration can be discredited. We have confidence in the professionalism in our boys and their patriotism should not be called into question.”
Online Reporter