Online Reporter
The Herald 11 December 1990
ZIMBABWE need to tighten up their midfield in order to avoid losing possession of the ball unnecessarily, if they want to reach the semi-finals of the East and Central African Senior Challenge Cup, in Zanzibar.
After playing a goalless draw against Malawi on Sunday, Zimbabwe now meet hosts Zanzibar who play a physical hit-and-run type of football.
This is where good midfielders should take the sting out of the opposition. There is need to have the likes of Joel Shambo and Memory Mucherahowa, who can slow down the pace of the match.
On Sunday, midfielder Shepherd Muradzikwa failed to stamp his authority and ended up losing a lot of possession, which increased the pressure on the backs. The experienced Malawians, who are reported to have spent a month in England, tried to seize early control with well- drilled short passes but found Zimbabwe’s firm man of the match Alexander Maseko impregnable.
But Zimbabwe could have paid dearly had it not been for Maseko because Peter Fanwell had a bad day. Acting national coach Armando Ferreira said other areas also needed improvement. He said apart from Wilfred Mugeyi, Zimbabwe lacked punch upfront.
“Mugeyi was marked by three players which should have given Godfrey Tamirepi the chance to take advantage and score,” Ferreira said. Instead Tamirepi seemed to have encountered stage fright and only wanted to release the ball as quickly as possible.
Usman Misi came into the game in the last 25 minutes and gave the opponents some anxious moments after Masimba Dinyero had come in as substitute. Paul Gundani played, according to Ferreira, by the book as did Carlos Max.
Although Malawi were technically superior, Zimbabwe had more stamina.
Meanwhile, Zimbabwe, Malawi and Uganda have complained about the rubber match balls being used. Ferreira said the ball was too hard and bounced awkwardly.
Ironically the same ball was used by Kenya and Uganda in their opening match and fans witnessed shooting at its best.
Lessons for today.
- The article stresses the need to tighten the midfield to avoid losing possession. In any team, sports, business, or leadership, the “middle” or core must be strong and organised. Without a solid foundation, progress collapses under pressure.
- Good midfielders were needed to slow down the pace and neutralize the opposition’s physical game.
- Before chasing big wins or aggressive goals, focus on control and stability. In modern teams, this means planning, coordination, and strategy before execution.
- Wilfred Mugeyi was heavily marked, but others failed to capitalise on the opportunity. Success is never about one star performer, it’s about teamwork and shared responsibility. Today, organisations fail when they rely on one “hero” instead of building collective strength.
- Zimbabwe faced a different style of play from Zanzibar and needed to adjust tactics.
