Online Reporter
Fungai Muderere, Zimpapers Sports Hub
AS the Warriors gear up for their second international friendly against Niger tomorrow, just four days after falling 2-0 to Burkina Faso in Morocco, head coach Michael Nees is urging fans and critics alike to zoom out, and look at the bigger picture.
The German tactician travelled to Morocco with a makeshift squad, notably without skipper Marvelous Nakamba, his deputy Marshall Munetsi, and other big names like Jordan Zemura, Knowledge Musona, Tawanda Chirewa, Andy Rinomhota, and Devine Lunga. That left Zimbabwe thin on experience and short on combinations, a tough ask against a near full strength Burkina Faso outfit who wasted no time in punishing them.
“We didn’t have many of our regular players who were missing for one reason or another. We also wanted to give other players a chance. We must look at the bigger picture, and we must learn out of it and move forward,” said Nees.
In that Burkina Faso tie, Wydad AC midfielder Stephane Aziz Ki struck in the 23rd minute before Cyriaque Irie doubled the lead. Khama Billiat, back in national colours, showed flashes of brilliance but was repeatedly fouled and couldn’t finish the match.
“Khama (Billiat) could have scored or provided an assist but we had to bring him out. I don’t think it’s something serious, but it’s the knocks that got us worried,” said Nees.
Still, the German insists the trip served its purpose, assessing new players and testing depth.
Magesi FC goalkeeper Elvis Chipezeze, Germany-based midfielder Jonah Fabisch, and Belgium-based winger Bill Antonio were all handed national team recalls after lengthy absences.
Chipezeze’s inclusion was hardly a surprise, his consistent showings in the South African Betway Premiership made him too good to ignore. The former Chicken Inn and Baroka man has quietly re-established himself as one of the most reliable keepers in Mzansi.
The squad also included Highlanders’ Mason Mushore, Peter Muduhwa, Walter Musona, Godknows Murwira, Mthokozisi Msebe (Scottland FC), Emmanuel Jalai (Dynamos), and Tawanda Macheke (TelOne), a mix Nees believes is crucial for building chemistry between local and foreign-based players ahead of major competitions.
Meanwhile, another Warriors squad competing at the 2025 Cosafa Cup finds itself teetering on the edge of elimination after a 2-0 loss to hosts South Africa at Toyota Stadium in Bloemfontein on Saturday.
South Africa now have three points, one ahead of Group A leaders Mozambique, who played out a goalless draw against Mauritius.
A draw for Bafana Bafana against Mauritius tomorrow will be enough to book their place in the semi-finals and send Zimbabwe packing, regardless of how the Warriors fare in their final group match against Mozambique. — @FungaiMuderere
