Wenslus Murape
Bruce Chikuni
THE stage is set for new Warriors coach, Michael Nees, to make a lasting impression on Zimbabwean football enthusiasts as the team takes on Kenya at the Mandela National Stadium in Uganda this afternoon.
Kick-off is 3pm.
And, one of the dependable troops, Jordan Zemura, feels all they want is encouragement to deliver what is expected of them.
The Warriors will host Cameroon at the same venue on Tuesday.
As the Warriors prepare to take on Kenya, the team is filled with a mix of excitement and nerves.
The fixture will also mark the return of Khama Billiat, who is expected to be a guiding light in helping the Warriors’ cause.
The Harambee Stars have humbled Zimbabwe in their previous three encounters and it makes Nees’s men the underdogs ahead of this clash.
Nees has been working to ensure that his team is ready for the task at hand.
With a squad comprising of experienced players and young talent, he has a wealth of options to choose from.
For Zemura, one of the team’s dependable players, the key to success lies in encouragement within the team.
“All we need is encouragement to do what is expected of us and we really need to support each other as players to forget the results of our previous fixtures against this team.
“They are a well organised side which can cause harm if we don’t play to our strengths. I believe we have the quality to get something positive out this game,” said Zemura.
Zemura’s sentiment is echoed by his teammates, who are all eager to make a strong start under their new coach.
However, the Warriors will have to navigate the challenge of playing away from home. Due to the unavailability of the National Sports Stadium in Zimbabwe, their matches will be held at the Mandela National Stadium in Uganda.
Despite this, Zemura emphasized the importance of playing on home soil. “Everyone in the team feels that playing in Zimbabwe does more in boosting our performance levels and it also creates lasting memories for us and aspiring footballers in the country.”
The Warriors’ squad boasts a mix of experience and youth, with Zemura himself feeling like part of the younger generation.
“There are a lot of youngsters in the team, and I also feel like I’m part of that group,” he said. “You can see the quality that Tawanda Chirewa has, it’s something that shows what the future is promising to bring.”
Zemura has taken on a mentorship role, guiding the younger players and helping them settle into the team.
“I have been sharing a lot with the youngsters who need guidance, and all the senior players have been very kind in helping the next generation to settle well,” he said.
As the Warriors prepare to face Kenya and Cameroon, Zemura remains optimistic.
“We know that it won’t be easy, but we are ready for the challenge. We want to make Zimbabweans proud, and we will do everything in our power to make that happen.”
Warriors Probable XI
Washington Arubi, Godknows Murwira, Jordan Zemura, Munashe Garan’anga, Gerald Takwara, Marshal Munetsi, Andy Rinomhota, Khama Billiat, Walter Musona, Tawanda Chirewa, Prince Dube
Online Reporter