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Augustine Hwata Sports Reporter
ZIMBABWE Defence Forces Select head coach Gift “Guava” Kamuriwo says national pride will be at stake when he leads his troops against their Namibian counterparts in the Defence Forces Challenge Trophy at the National Sports Stadium this afternoon.Kamuriwo, a former Mhangura and Black Rhinos attacking midfielder, has drawn most of his players from Premiership sides Black Rhinos and Chapungu.
“It’s going to be a tricky match because we do not know anything about the opponents. But one thing for sure is that we are determined to win. When we play, it would be like a national team and I do not think it will present a good picture if we lose at home,” said Kamuriwo.
The former Warriors player took his players through their paces at Belvedere Technical Teachers’ College yesterday.
Besides national pride, which will be at stake, Kamuriwo also challenged his players to show that they can perform well in national team set-up.
“I have a number of players mainly from Black Rhinos and Chapungu,” he said.
Veteran goalkeeper Britto Gwere looks set to provide cover for Hebert Rusawo while Chapungu centre-back James Gonyora has also been selected.
Warriors fringe player Wonder Kapinda is also in the squad along Erick Manokora and Waru Waru forward Victor Bangira.
Last year the Zimbabwe Defence Forces, with Nesbert Saruchera as coach, played their Tanzanian counterparts at the National Sports Stadium and won the tie 1-0.
Commando Bullets striker Raymond Malikwa scored the solitary goal as Saruchera’s men won the US$7 500.
In 2012, Zimbabwe servicemen beat Zambia 3-0 in the same contest at the National Sports Stadium and Kamuriwo knows that he has to defend the bragging rights.
Online Reporter