George ‘Zambia’ Mbwando rallies Warriors

that legendary group of Warriors who finally exorcised the Nations Cup ghost in 2003 and qualified for the finals in Tunisia the following year.
Having been converted as a roving wingback after moving to Europe, having made his name as a free-scoring striker who starred for the Young Warriors in their All-Africa Games campaign in 1995 where they won silver, Mbwando was part of the Immortals under the guidance of Sunday Chidzambwa, who finally crossed the line.
Yesterday Mbwando, who is based in Germany, revealed that he went through a nightmare as he waited for confirmation that the Warriors had finally booked their place in Tunisia.
The Warriors had completed their campaign, with 13 points, and were second in the group behind Mali on goal difference, with the West Africans qualifying automatically as group winners.
It was tough to take for that group of Warriors as they had snatched four points from Mali, winning 1-0 in Harare and drawing goalless in Bamako.
But a surprise defeat in Seychelles complicated Zimbabwe’s qualifying campaign and, when they completed their marathon, they were only good enough for second place.
However, there was a lifeline for the Warriors as the best of the runners-up, in all the groups, also qualified for the finals in Tunisia.
Zimbabwe, with 13 points, were in a showdown with Sierra Leone for that spot and the West Africans had the advantage that their campaign would end on Sunday, when they knew what they wanted to achieve, while the Warriors’ campaign had ended a day earlier.
For Zimbabwe to qualify Gabon, who had nothing but pride to play for in their last game, had to stop Equatorial Guinea from winning in their backyard.
For Mbwando, that was a nightmare.
Yesterday, he went on Facebook to relive that ordeal and also rally behind the Warriors as they battle in Angola tomorrow hoping to qualify for the 2013 Nations Cup finals in South Africa.
“Some time in Aachen November 2003, I still remember that day, I didn’t sleep the whole night, I had no appetite,” wrote Mbwando on his Facebook page.
“I was so nervous until my friend Alvin Ndunduma finally called and I still remember the words he used that day:
‘Tsano Sierra Leone yarohwa neGabon’, and that meant we had automatically qualified for the Africa Cup 2004 in Tunisia for the first time in the country’s history and I was going to be part of it.
“That was a GREAT feeling, it was so nice.”
Mbwando said the Warriors should seize their moment in Luanda tomorrow.
“I’m wishing all the boys travelling to Angola to (have) this GREAT feeling on Sunday at 7 o’clock Zimbabwean time,” wrote Mbwando.
“Rovai vanhu makumbo kusvika aita blue, kana ku header kana kuruma vanhu gotsi.
“Even game rikapera tave five, chero vasina kugohwesa chete. Good luck Boys.
“We will meet in Mzansi in January.”
There was an immediate response from some of Mbwando’s mutual friends on Facebook.
Patrick Ba Aisha Makuvaza —  Taurai henyu baba Mumu kana kuruma munhu kana zvashupa.
Patience Chipangura — Tell them George, I also remember that day we all came from places singing, going to Raylton Club. Wow! It was awesome.
We gonna do that on Sunday this time with vuvuzela.
Robson Musiya — Encouraging words Zambia.
George Dangarembwa — Nice words.
Peter Ndowa — It was always a pleasure to know kuti homeboy urimo, you made us proud Jojo.
Kuda Suara Pauls — It shows kuti you were a real Warrior. Thanks bro for words of courage.
Remember Gumura — Mashoko enyu vaMbwando akaoma, isu takanobuda kuRadio Zimbabwe from Glen Norah netsoka tichipembera.
Patson Mbwando — Ichokwadi, we have to put 1000% but l feel ref achatiurayira game.