daniel chigunwe
Tadious Manyepo in JOHANNESBURG, South Africa
JAIROS TAPERA has hailed the significant role being played by the senior players in helping the new Warriors recruits fit into the system.
The Manica Diamonds coach will lead the national squad into the 2026 World Cup qualifying battles against Lesotho and South Africa within the next six days here.
The Warriors first “host” Lesotho at Orlando Stadium in Johannesburg on Friday before they face South Africa at Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein next Tuesday.
Tapera has a largely young squad dominated by players who were born and bred in the United Kingdom and, who have adopted the moniker “the British Brigade”.
The veteran coach, who has another experienced tutor in Sunday Chidzambwa as his technical advisor, believes he has a talented lot but they needed guidance to be able to seamlessly fit into the team. And senior players like Tino Kadewere, Marshall Munetsi and Gerald Takwara are providing that leadership, much to the delight of Tapera.
“Look, we have a lot of youngsters in the team and we need them to feel that they are a key part of the team,’’ said Tapera.
“You always have to make sure that everyone feels the same and thinks the same when it comes to the national team.
“There is no time for team building but I should applaud the senior players for the critical role they are playing to ensure that the youngsters feel at home.
“You look at how Tino Kadewere, Marshall Munetsi and Gerald Takwara are always trying to make these youngsters laugh and feel free.
“That’s amazing, to say the least. As coaches, we also try by all means to let everyone know that they are equal and the result has been prolific so far.
“You can see that a lot has changed since the first time we camped here. The youngsters are pretty much relaxed now and that’s healthy for the team.”
Defender Takwara feels that obtaining unity can propel the team to victory against both Lesotho and South Africa.
“Football is the same everywhere you go. Maybe, the only difference could be the set-up. But everything is the same. You need heart, you need to put heads on the block and play well.
“This is what we are telling the new players in the national team,’’ said Takwara.
“This is no rehearsal and they all understand that.
“This is not club level, it’s national level now. We are carrying millions behind our backs. That’s what we have been telling the youngsters and they have been good listeners.
“A lot has changed and they are now a crop into the team. The unity that we have can take us places and I just hope we will be able to play well against Lesotho on Friday and then see what comes up after.”
Takwara said Lesotho needed to be respected, especially given what’s at stake.
“We are going to play hard no matter who is coming.
“We should play hard and give it our all.
“We are prepared and ready for Lesotho, that’s basically what I can say. Friday is not far off and we need to put our act together to be ready for them.
“We have always been prepared and we can’t disappoint our country. We need to defend our people and make them proud through winning games.’’
The Warriors yesterday held a single training session at Bidvest University Grounds in the morning before analyst James Makoni took them through a video session in the afternoon.
Online Reporter