Tongai Mashonga [email protected]
COACH Kelvin Kaindu is beaming with pride after seven of his charges earned international call-ups across three nations, turning Kwekwe into a mini Africa Cup of Nations players’ hub.
Zimbabwe Warriors duo Martin Mapisa and Tinotenda Muringai have been drafted for the Warriors’ crucial back-to-back Afcon qualifiers against Equatorial Guinea, first in the lion’s den in Cameroon and then the return leg in Harare.
Mapisa and Muringai were on the bench in the goalless draw in Yauonde last night.
Malawian midfield workhorse Macdonald Rameck will trade Kwekwe dust for Pharaohs fire as the Flames of Malawi take on seven-time African champions Egypt first in Lilongwe before the daunting trip to Cairo.
And in a historic first, Hardrock’s Eswatini quartet of Neliswa Dlamini, Sizwe Yeki Khumalo, Thubelihle Mavuso and Sambulo Simelane, will be part of the Sihlangu SeMnikati squad that will play Eswatini’s first-ever international match against a European opponent, Malta.
The quartet were part of Eswatini’s historic team last night.
For Kaindu, it is proof that Hardrock is no longer just a club, but a factory for international stars.
“It is every player’s dream to play for the national team. When you have national team players, they are recognised from the club they are coming from,” said Kaindu.
“Yes, the national team brings more belief and confidence in players. The stage is bigger at national team level. Yes, it does.”
But the Zambian tactician warned of the dreaded African travel curse that comes with international glory.
“Travelling in Africa is a challenge, especially for those going to play in Cameroon. It takes almost two days of travelling,” said Kaindu, referring to the Warriors’ trip to Cameroon for the Equatorial Guinea clash.
“It depends, especially if you manage the fatigue and injuries. It affects your programme in terms of numbers. We will have a few days before we play our last game.”
“When they are with the national team, focus changes. Maybe new tactics as well.”
Kaindu, a master of keeping his charges mentally in the zone, said the international break is a double-edged sword but at least all PSL clubs are on ice.
“The good thing is all teams will be on a break. We need to stay focused and mentally ready,” he said.
He said the on-going Pamoja Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers has been a blessing in disguise to keep his remaining troops battle-ready.
“The international matches are good for building more confidence,” said Kaindu.
And to his continental trotting stars, Kaindu sent a chilling message, the Kwekwe jersey must be earned, not given.
“Those in the national team will be readily available. We just need to see how many minutes they played and who didn’t play. It is an advantage,” said Kaindu.
“But they have to work extra hard to command a starting position or at least play.”
