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Mbachi Mutukula-Maregere Sports Reporter
KENYA coach Jerome Paarwater says they are here to settle a score against Zimbabwe in the Africa Cup opener tomorrow at Prince Edward.
The East Africans lost to Zimbabwe last year in the World Cup qualifier, a game they needed to win to make it for the 2015 edition of the global tournament set for England in September.
Paarwater feels their clash against the Sables will be a tough match.
He said his side was in good shape after they defeated Portugal two weeks ago in preparation for tomorrow’s match.
“So far things have been good. We played Portugal two weeks ago and beat them; so, our preparations went on very well,” said Paarwater.
“We have got a score to settle with Zimbabwe because they kept us out of this year’s World Cup and it is going to be a tough game.
“The squad that we are using this year has six new players and the other experienced players are no longer with us, but we have a good balance which is also good for Kenya to prepare for the next World Cup.
“We are not in the Vodacom Cup this year, but have had good preparations and we want all the fans to enjoy watching the match which we are really looking forward to.
“I will not say that we have a stronger side than Zimbabwe, but we just beat Portugal, who are ranked higher than us, with the same squad of new young players.”
Meanwhile, Sables forwards coach Costa Dinha believes Zimbabwe have the right team for the assignment.
“If you look at our team now, it is a different one from the one that played in Madagascar and played Kenya,” said Dinha.
“The selected squad has young players with potential as well as experienced ones.
“Many players in the team are big and the size is also good to match the Kenyans.
“I was called to assist in training and have been happy with the response from many players. I have been a player for Zimbabwe before and know the feeling to represent the nation in an international match. The guys must continue with their hard work and we can get a positive result.”
Zimbabwe Sables squad:
Forwards: Denford Mutamangira (captain), Tatenda Murwira, Farai Mudariki, Pieter Joubert, Lawrence Clemenson, Royal Mwale, Kudzai Muzorewa, Sanele Sibanda, Biselele Tshamala, Tadiwa Parirenyatwa, Andrew Rose, Fortune Chipendu, Kingsley Lang, Shingai Mpofu.
Backs: Charles Jiji, Taddy Whata, Tichafara Makwanya (vice-captain) , Lenience Tambwera, Boyd Rouse, Riaan O’Neil, Stephan Hunduza, Gardner Nechironga, Tafadzwa Chitokwindo, Tangai Nemadire, Cleopas Makotose, Atipas Kamkwido.
Online Reporter